View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. In Scene 2, what example is given of Joan's spiritual fortitude?

3. Whose nickname is "Bluebeard"?

4. Why is Robert angry in Scene 1?

5. What is Joan traveling to do in Scene 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who joins the Archbishop of Rheims and Lord Chamberlain de la Tremouille to wait for the Dauphin's arrival in Scene 2? What is this man's nickname and why is that what he is called?

2. In Scene 3, Joan agrees to accompany Dunois to what location and for what reason?

3. In Scene 4, two men in an English army camp are having a discussion. Who are the men, and what are they discussing?

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

5. In Scene 1, what makes Joan think she is doing God's work? What does Robert think of her assertions?

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

7. How do the men responsible for Joan's trial and execution react to the news that she has been canonized?

8. How do the church officials in Joan's trial respond to her reply to the additional charges brought against her?

9. What happens to the Dauphin at the beginning of Scene 5, and who is responsible for it?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the opening scene, the reader is introduced to Joan and can see how commoners and noblemen alike view Joan and her powers. The steward has heard of Joan and is convinced her presence is why the hens have stopped laying eggs. Robert de Baudricourt thinks Joan's claims are preposterous, but he believes she will have a positive effect on the morale of the troops. How does this introduction set the tone for the way Joan is viewed throughout the play? Is this a case of foreshadowing? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Joan's power over the most important men in France leads to fear that her individualism might undermine the stability of the feudal structure. Describe the various intricacies of the feudal system and elaborate on what Joan's actions, while appearing fairly insignificant, might do to affect the entire structure. If the feudal system did collapse, what would the ramifications be to each level of the system? What would the pros and cons be of just such a synergistic system being the core of a country's economy and political/social structure?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 914 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample