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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Scene 3, what has Joan gained access to that is considered evidence of her reputation?

2. What is the French commander doing in the beginning of Scene 3?

3. What is the cause of the lack of eggs for Robert's breakfast in Scene 1?

4. In Scene 2, what does Joan ask God for?

5. How does the Dauphin feel about Joan's convictions in Scene 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Joan's colleagues feel about her final decision to liberate Paris?

2. In Scene 2, what does Gilles de Rais tell the Archbishop of Rheims and Lord Chamberlain de la Tremouille about Joan?

3. What is Joan anxious to do in Scene 3? Who stops her, and why?

4. Joan leaves the castle with the armor, horse and men. She is content with this mini victory. Though Robert has doubts that her mission is sent from God, what happens to change his mind?

5. After Joan identifies the true Dauphin in Scene 2, what does she tell the Dauphin, and how does he react?

6. In Scene 2, why is the Dauphin called "ineffectual"?

7. Scene 1 sees Robert go through several emotions. What are some of those emotions, and why does Robert experience them?

8. In Scene 3, the attitude toward Joan and her supposed powers is variable. How do the men in the castles feel about Joan? How do the men in the trenches with Joan feel about her?

9. What is the purpose of Joan's visit to the castle in the beginning of Scene 1?

10. In Scene 5, what do Joan's colleagues tell her about in order to dissuade her from continuing war against the English?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The supernatural is a strong theme in "Saint Joan: A Chronicle Play in Six Scenes and an Epilogue." How was the supernatural viewed in the Middle Ages? Why is Joan's military prowess and charisma turned into something supernatural rather than attributing it to talent and personality? Why would Joan's supernatural powers be seen as a threat to those in authority and a miracle to those in need?

Essay Topic 2

In the beginning of the play, the Dauphin is an ineffectual, weak leader. France is in the hands of the men who financially support the Dauphin, and the Dauphin is simply a puppet. Joan's mission includes restoring France to its people and freeing her from the English. An integral part of that plan is to employ a strong, effectual leader. How does Joan give the Dauphin the confidence he needs to become king? How does she restore his faith in his life's mission and his ability to rule France? Does this plan include the Dauphin's support staff? How does Joan win them over as well?

Essay Topic 3

Joan's one moment of weakness comes during her trial when she is faced with the possibility of torture and death. How does Joan respond to this threat? What does she do in an attempt to avoid torture and death? Do you think she is under the impression that this act will buy her freedom? Why or why not? What does she do when she finds out that she is still bound for life imprisonment? Do you think she understands the repercussions of this act? Why or why not?

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