Saint Joan

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1923

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Summary

Background

Scene Summaries & Analyses

Preface

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

Scene 5

Scene 6

Epilogue

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Compare and contrast Joan’s religious beliefs to the Christian doctrine of Pierre Cauchon and the members of the Inquisition. What is the difference in their interpretations of Christianity? Why do the Church leaders consider Joan’s beliefs to be a problem?

Analyze how Saint Joan treats the subject of gender. How does Joan describe her gender identity and how does she behave in ways contrary to gender expectations?

Why do you think George Bernard Shaw chose to include an epilogue set after Joan’s death? How would the play be different if it ended with her execution?