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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 1, what does Robert hope for Joan in her mission?

2. How is the Dauphin described in Scene 2?

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

4. What happens after Joan leaves in Scene 1?

5. What is Joan anxious to do in Scene 3?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. In the king's dream, who interrupts the men discussing their personal trials and for what reason does he interrupt them?

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

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

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

8. In the Epilogue, what does King Charles find out about Joan and how long is it after Joan's execution?

9. 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?

10. Describe the end of the king's dream in the Epilogue.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Joan of Arc was not only a warrior but a woman who received messages from God. According to historical documentation, Joan is also attributed with working miracles, and it was thought that these miracles were the pivotal factor in the French army's victories over the English. What are some of the examples given in the script of Joan's miracles? What end was accomplished by these miracles? Could any of these miracles be attributed to something else? Why or why not? If so, what else could they be attributed to? Why are the miracles so important to the validity of Joan as a saint? Do you think she would have been canonized without working miracles, or would she have simply been thought of as an inspirational soldier for God? Why?

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?

(see the answer keys)

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