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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. What is the second item that Robert gives to Joan in Scene 1?

2. To what location does Joan accompany the French leader in Scene 3?

3. What does Joan exhibit in Scene 3 that convinces the men in battle that she is sent by God?

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

5. Who is the Dauphin's head of church in Scene 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Scene 4, what concerns the bishop most about Joan?

2. In Scene 3, what is troubling the French army commander, Dunois?

3. In Scene 5, why doesn't Joan want to return home after her success at Orleans?

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

5. This play takes place in France in 1492. Just from reading Scene 1, what do you think the political climate was like at that time? Whose citizens were an imposition to the French people? What is Joan's position in this struggle?

6. After her victory at Orleans, what are Joan's intentions outlined in Scene 5?

7. Why do you think the English officials were quick to label Joan a witch in Scene 4?

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

9. Explain what happens to the men in the king's dream who participated in the trial and execution of Joan of Arc.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

An important part of Joan's leadership ability and faith is confidence. Joan radiates confidence borne of divine providence, and her faith is steadfast. Why is Joan so supremely confident in her mission? What makes her so confident? Do you think the supernatural events occurring during her presence increase that confidence? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The Hundred Years' War lasted 116 years and was really a number of wars between England and France between 1337 and 1453. The Battle of Orleans was pivotal in turning the tide in favor of the French forces. Joan and the French army would go on to win a series of skirmishes and battles against the English and pave the way for the coronation of the Dauphin as King Charles VII. How are the events that take place in Scene 3 when Joan, Dunois, and the French army are stalled at the Loire River symbolic of these events?

Essay Topic 3

An ongoing theme throughout the play is feminism. Joan's role as a woman in Medieval France would rarely, if ever, have her participating in battle, let alone leading the troops. Do you think that Joan's supernatural powers and visions were a necessary component of her mission for her to be accepted and installed as a military leader? Or, do you think she would have been given the same respect as just a woman? Why? Joan obviously has no problem approaching high powered men. How does this add to the feminist theme?

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