1.5 Joan of Arc - Std 10 - Kumarbharati

Author: George Bernard Shaw

Genre: Play (Excerpt from Saint Joan)

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Std X

Board: Maharashtra State Board

Summary:

The play is set during the Hundred Years' War between France and England. France is losing badly, and its soldiers are demoralized. In this context, a young peasant girl named Joan of Arc approaches Captain Robert de Baudricourt and demands to be sent to the Dauphin (heir to the French throne) with soldiers and arms. Despite being only 17, Joan speaks fearlessly and with purpose. She convinces Robert and the nobleman Poulengey with her courage, confidence, and deep patriotism. Eventually, Robert agrees to send her to Chinon. Joan’s belief that she is chosen by God to save France inspires those around her, and the play highlights how her strong faith and determination influence even trained military men.

Central Idea:

The lesson emphasizes themes of courage, divine faith, patriotism, and the power of belief. Joan, a seemingly ordinary girl, challenges military systems with her unwavering determination, and her conviction changes the course of a nation’s fate.

Character Sketch: Joan of Arc

• Young peasant girl, around 17 years old

• Physically strong, emotionally fearless

• Confident in speech and action

• Deeply patriotic; wants to save France from English rule

• Has firm belief in divine guidance

• Calm under pressure; speaks to nobles without fear

• Strategic and practical (asks only for minimum support)

• Able to inspire faith in others (like Poulengey and Robert)

• Determined and persuasive

• Symbol of hope and courage in a time of war

Word Meanings:

Grammar Questions

Q1. Identify the infinitive and its function: “You are to give me a horse and armour and some soldiers.” → Infinitive: to give → Function: Object of the verb “are”

Q2. Change to indirect speech: Joan said, “I shall not want many soldiers.” → Joan said that she would not want many soldiers.

Q3. Identify the modal and state its function: “I don’t think it can be very difficult if God is on your side.” → Modal: can → Function: Shows possibility

Q4. Pick the gerund and state its role: “You think soldiering is anybody’s job?” → Gerund: soldiering → Function: Subject of the sentence

Q5. Rewrite in the passive voice: “She will teach them all to fight for France.” → They will be taught to fight for France by her.

Personal Response Questions

Q1. What quality of Joan do you find most inspiring? → I find Joan’s courage and conviction most inspiring. At just seventeen, she speaks with authority in front of military officers and remains fearless in her mission. Her faith in God and her patriotism make her an extraordinary and unforgettable character.

Q2. What made Captain Robert finally agree to send Joan to the Dauphin? → Captain Robert was moved by Joan’s determination and her ability to inspire others, including noblemen like Poulengey. Even though he doubted her at first, he began to believe that she might be able to revive the spirits of the French troops and the Dauphin himself.

Q3. Do you think common people can sometimes become heroes? Give reasons. → Yes, common people can become heroes when they show extraordinary courage and commitment, like Joan. Though she was a peasant girl with no formal military training, her faith and leadership qualities enabled her to lead armies and inspire a nation.

Q4. How does Joan’s faith in God guide her actions? → Joan believes she has been chosen by God to save France. This faith gives her the strength to approach powerful men, face mockery, and lead soldiers into battle. Her unwavering belief in divine purpose makes her actions fearless and confident.

True or False:

1. Joan was afraid to talk to Captain Robert. → False
   

2. Poulengey and Jack agreed to go with Joan. → True
   

3. The Dauphin was a strong and brave ruler. → False

Probable Board Questions

Q1. What was Joan’s request to Captain Robert? (2 marks)

→ Joan requested a horse, a suit of armour, and a few soldiers so that she could go to the Dauphin. She wanted to lead the French army to lift the siege of Orleans.

Q2. What shows that Joan was practical and not demanding? (2 marks)

→ Joan said she didn’t need specially made armour or many soldiers. She was ready to use a soldier’s armour that fit her well enough and mentioned that just three men would be sufficient to accompany her.

Q3. What was Poulengey’s opinion about Joan? (2 marks)

→ Poulengey believed that Joan had something special in her. He said that she had inspired him and that perhaps she could work a miracle when no one else could.

Q4. Describe Captain Robert’s change of mind about Joan. (2 marks)

→ Initially, Captain Robert thought Joan was mad and wanted to send her away. But after seeing her confidence and how she inspired others, he decided to give her a chance and sent her to meet the Dauphin.

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