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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. Who is the Dauphin's military adviser?

2. What is the purpose of Joan's request to the leader of her country in Scene 1?

3. In Scene 1, what does Robert think about Joan's assertion that she hears voices?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

1. In Scene 2, after the Dauphin dismisses his advisers from the room and consults with Joan alone, what major decision does he make?

2. How does Joan react to the powerful men kneeling at her feet in the king's dream?

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

4. How do the new king and his advisers feel about Joan and her desire to continue in battle after her success at Orleans?

5. In Scene 3, what does Dunois need, and why?

6. In Scene 6, what are the church officials willing to do if Joan will not recant her sins?

7. What do each of Joan's colleagues say about her plan to liberate Paris?

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

9. In Scene 4, Joan's alignment as an individual with the French king poses a threat to what system, and why?

10. The church officials holding Joan's trial believe it is their duty to do what?

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

Joan is excommunicated from the church and burned at the stake. Her death is horrible and cruel. Do the men responsible for her execution feel any remorse? Why or why not? How do you know? What events occur to reinforce the way they feel? What do these events symbolize?

Essay Topic 3

Witchcraft has been feared for millennia, throwing whole countries into panic and causing chaos throughout history. Witchcraft has also been a convenient way for those in power to rid themselves of anyone challenging that power. Such is the case with Joan. Why would the English and French noblemen and church officials fear the actions of a mere girl? What reason would they have for putting her to death? Do you think these men actually believed that Joan was a witch, or do you think witchcraft made a convenient excuse for ridding themselves of a wild card? Why?

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