I have begun to analyze the historical trial records of
Joan’s Inquisition trial, and am beginning to think of the different categories
I will then quantify her accuser’s questions into. Thus far into my research, I
have decided upon four (4) main categories of questions. They are:
Background/childhood, religious imagery/visions, French allegiance, and
exemplifying male characteristics (including clothing, hair, and military
leadership).
The first trial of Joan, and indeed the only one she lived
to experience (the later Rehabilitation Trial would occur in attempt to
exonerate her after her death) was held in 1431 in Rouen France between February
and May. The Trial of Condemnation or Inquisition, as it is commonly referred
to, was held in stages, complete with six public examinations and nine private
examinations occurring outside of the courtroom, most notably in Joan’s prison
cell. All examinations, perhaps better labeled as interrogations, were recorded
in transcript form, and reveal the questions posed, and Joan’s responses as
well as body language at times. I will combine the questions and answers from
both Joan’s public and private examinations to accurately quantify the entirety
of the trial.
The first public examination in Joan’s Condemnation Trial began
on February 21, 1431, in Rouen, France. Throughout the Trial, Joan was asked a
total of nine (9) questions, eight (8) of which will be quantified under the
“Background/childhood” category, with one (1) falling under the Religious
imagery/visions category. Although the questions were seemingly mundane, the
scribes noted instances of Joan pushing back with her accusers, “complaining
about being held in chains” or refusing to reveal the truth concerning matters
of “faith and about what you know,” (Taylor 137). Over the next few weeks on
the blog, I will be analyzing Joan’s various examinations and quantifying the
questions posed to her into one of the current four (4) categories. Over the course
of my research, however, these categories may change or be altered to better
support the trial records.
Taylor, Craig, ed. “First
Public Examination,” in Joan of Arc: La Pucelle (New York: Manchester
University Press, 2007), 137-139.
You may wish to look at a non-Joan scholar . . . on the inquisition (James Givens, David Burr, et al. ) to give you insights into process and technique. We just used an article by James Givens on Bernard Gui's inquisition techniques in southern France, and it might illuminate the judicial structure--though of course this was a very unique inquisitorial trial! Nice to see your approach!
ReplyDeleteHow odd that there were both public and private interrogations-the Inquisition really wanted this woman dealt with. Just remember that whenever you quantify something and break things into categories, you need to justify each category!
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