Much has been said and surmised regarding Joan on Arc over
the decades. Popular opinions on the trial and death of Joan range from a
revenge seeking French peasant desiring justice for the death of her sister
(see: the film The Messenger) to a
witch charged with numerous “typical” charges of the Middle Ages: witchcraft,
spell binding, black magic, etc. (see: any other popular culture adaptation). The
goal of this paper and semester long research project is seemingly simple: I
want to prove that Joan of Arc was tried and found guilty of very different
charges than popular culture (and perhaps even some scholars) have previously
argued. I will look back upon the Inquisition trial records of Joan, quantify
the questions Joan was asked, and then juxtapose the primary source results of
Joan of Arc’s true charges with that of previous scholarship and perhaps even
some popular culture illustrations.
Joan of Arc has become a fascinating center of popular
culture references over the decades. Her portrayals range from a Harry
Potter-esque world of witchcraft to horribly cliché illustrations of life in
the Middle Ages, particularly as a member of the peasantry. I wish to present a
scholarly analysis of Joan that is both interesting and factual, and can
hopefully begin to rival the flashy, yet inaccurate portrayals of Joan. In
essence, I want her historical headstone to read both appropriately and truthfully.
Thus, let the research begin.
For your viewing pleasure, please enjoy these pop culture
references to Joan (and try not to laugh too hard!)
Hi Rachel!
ReplyDeleteOut of curiosity, do you have any preconceived notions of what charges Joan was found guilty of? Or is this as exploratory to you as it is for me?
Hi Cory!
ReplyDeleteActually I do! I took the Joan of Arc class Spring of my sophomore year, so I have some (read: little) insight! The actual questions, from what I recall, often discussed her childhood, military history, religious visions, and most importantly (oddly enough) her choice in clothing, particularly male clothing. This stands starkly contrasted with popular culture images that illustrate Joan as being charged a witch, while her actual charges were more along the lines of heresy-- research will show why!
Thanks for commenting and inquiring!