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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 2, who schemes to trick Joan?

2. Who is the commander of the French army in Scene 3?

3. To whom does Joan make a request after the Dauphin gives her military control?

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

5. Who informs Robert of the hens' recovery in Scene 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has happened to Joan in the beginning of Scene 6?

2. What are the Archbishop of Rheims and Lord Chamberlain de la Tremouille discussing while they wait for the Dauphin's arrival in Scene 2?

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

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

5. Joan is now in command with the leaders of the French army. This newly acquired access to leaders is evidence of what?

6. In Scene 2, what does Gilles de Rais tell the Archbishop of Rheims and Lord Chamberlain de la Tremouille about Joan?

7. How does Joan react to the advice given by her colleagues in Scene 5?

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

9. Is the fact that Joan is a woman an asset or liability to her cause?

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

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

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 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?

(see the answer keys)

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