Scene 2 Summary

The Archbishop of Rheims and the Lord Chamberlain de la Tremouille await the arrival of the Dauphin in a castle in Chinon. There is discussion of the dour state of France from the perspectives of the church and the military for which the two men are responsible. Soon the men are joined by Gilles de Rais, an officer also called "Bluebeard" because of his dyed facial hair. Bluebeard brings news of Joan's approach to the castle to seek an audience with the Dauphin. Bluebeard tells the men of Joan's military prowess as well as her spiritual fortitude demonstrated by the drowning of a man who refused to stop taking the Lord's name in vain. Joined by the ineffectual Dauphin, who is in financial debt to the powerful men who surround him, the men hatch a scheme to try to trick Joan so that...