Inside Shakespeare’s Mind: Henry VI – Part 1:

Joan of Arc who answered the call of God

This is a great story; a story of a young girl who laid down her life for God and her country only to be condemned and burnt at stake.

Whether he liked it or not, Shakespeare had to bring in Joan of Arc into his play, Henry VI – Part 1 and she became one of its central characters. Because the play is historically based, she became a part of it. In fact, Joan was present at the King's coronation.

England and France were bitter with each other at endless wars and when finally England over-ran France with the rightful heir fleeing to Poitiers and the crown bartered to England, France became shamed and helpless.

France was to change completely in few short years with the coming of a young girl around 1455 who in her childhood helped her poor parents to survive. She was simple and gentle and very bashful when others reproached her with going too devotedly to church.

Saves France at Orleans but is burnt at stake. Joan kisses the cross while dying.

Could anyone foresee this little girl one day would give her orders to captains and generals? That she would lead France back to its normal glory. Historians may well speak of it as a miracle. Joan who was born on January 6,1414 took upon herself the shame and sorrow of France as though it was her own concern. She brooded over the fate of her country.

Then it happened; She was thirteen when she heard a mysterious voice in her father's garden at mid day in summer. She became frightened but the severance in the voice belonged only to God. She was convinced that it was God who spoke to her. Only the pure can his voice. The voice that came to her said that she would save France. Around 1428, she was to go to Baudricourt, captain of Vancouleurs who would lead her to the Dauphine. The Dauphien would give her an army and she was to raise the siege of Orleans; and lead the King to his crowning at Rheims.

Synopsis Johan La Purcelle better known as Joan of Arc who with difficulty worked her way through to meet the Dauphine who would ultimately help her to overthrow England and wrestle back France.

(Reigner, Duke of Anjoy enters with Bastard of Orleans and Purcelle)

Reigner – Fair maid is't thou wilt do these wondrous feats?

Purcelle – Reigner; is't thou that thinkest to beguile me? Where is the Dauphine? Come, come from behind. I know thee well though never seen before. Be not amaz'd, there's nothing hid from me. In private will I talk with thee apart.

Stand back you Lords, and give us leave awile.

R – She takes upon her bravely at first dash

P – Dauphine, I am by birth a shepherd's daughter. My wit untrained in any kind of art....

Act. 1 Sc 11

Purcelle enters the walls near Orleans along with Charles, Regnier, Alencon and an Army of soldiers. She leads them from the front and vanquish all enemies.

Purcelle – Advance our waving colours on the walls. Rescu'd is Orleans from the English. This Purcelle hath perform'd her word.

Charles – Divinest creature; Astrea's daughter; How shall I honour thee for this success. Thy promises are like Adonis's gardens ACT 1, Sc. IV.

But there are others who are jealous of her victory and attempt to stir hatred towards her. (Before Orleans. Enter Bedford, Burgendy and forces along with Talbot).

Bedford – Coward of France, how much he wrong'd his fame. Despairing of his own ar'm fortitude to join the witches and help of hell. Burgendy – Traitors have never other company. Talbot -A maid they say

B – A maid; and be so martial. Pray God she proves not masculine. If underneath the standard of the French she carry armour as she hath begun. ACT.1 Sc.VI

Purcelle keeps pushing undaunted. The English army that was divided into two parts, is now conjoin'd in one. France I slipping as England gains and give French to foil. (Excursions) Enter England and France fighting. La Purcelle and York fight hand to hand. La Purcelle is taken. The French fly.

Joan of Arc answers the call of God. Saves France but is condemned

York – Damsel of France. I think I have you fast. Unchain your spirits now with spelling charms. And try if they can gain your liberty. A goodly prize fit for the devil. See how the ugly witch doth bend her brow. As if with Circe, she would change my shape;

Purcelle – Chang'd to a worser shape thou canst be. ACT.V, Sc.111

Presently at Angers, Purcelle is not afraid to face death when she is taunted by her captors. Her faith in God surfaces as she is deserted by her familiar spirits. She is taken to the Camp of the Duke of York in Anjou; (Enter York, Warwick and others).

York – Bring forth that sorceress, condmen'd to burn......

Take her away; for she hath liv'd too long to fill the world with vicious qualities.

Purcelle – First let me tell you whom you have condemn'd: Not me begotten of a shepherd swain. But issued from a progeny of kings. Virtuous and holy, Chosen from above by inspiration of celestial grace. To work exceeding miracles on earth. I never had to do with wicked spirits..........

You judge it straight a thing impossible. To compass wonders but by help of devils.

No, misconceived: Joan of Arc hath been a virgin from her tender infancy. Chaste and immaculate in very though; whose maiden blood thus rigorously effus'd. Will cry for vengeance at the gates of heaven.

York – Ay, ay. Away with her to the execution. ACT. V, Sc. VI

In performance I cannot recall Joan of Arc mounted separately from Henry VI but most directors used her within the play.

Joan of Arc was a wonderful film I saw as a schoolgirl. With the rendering of her wonderful dialogue, she was a heroine on stage.