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Joan of Arc: The Making of a Saint
She is one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic religion, yet she was burned at the stake as a heretic. Joan of Arc was a religious figure with a political message. She led the French in their victory over England in the 100 Years War, and restored the throne to King Charles VII. Her military prowess earned her the gratitude of the French people, but political intrigue conspired to defame her. As a woman involved in male military activities, she was vulnerable to accusations of heresy, and she paid the ultimate price for her gender transgressions. Joan of Arc: The Making of a Saint would be useful for classes on European History, Medieval History, Political Science, Women's History, and Religious History. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.
Joan of Arc was condemned to death as a heretic. What is a heretic? How can a person be a heretic in one culture, but not in another?
Joan of Arc was canonized in the early part of the twentieth century. Why was she made a saint? Why did it take 500 years?
The story of Joan of Arc has fascinated people for five centuries. Why has she become a legend? Why does her story continue to fascinate?
How did Joan of Arc defy the gender conventions of her day?
How do historians know the details of the story of Joan of Arc?
After his ascent to the throne, Charles VII disagreed with Joan of Arc on how to regain lost French territories. How did their methods differ?
Joan of Arc was a very religious woman, yet she was tried for heresy. Why?
What role did politics play in the trial of Joan of Arc? Can it be deduced that she was really a political casualty?
Joan of Arc's conviction rested on the fact that she wore men's clothing. What does this say about the role of women, and how women were valued, in Joan of Arc's culture?
There are some who believe that Joan of Arc escaped her fiery doom. What prompted the rumors of her escape?
How was Joan of Arc used as a political symbol during the French Revolution? How was she used as a symbol in later wars, such as World War I and World War II?
Extended Activities
Write a skit or play that recreates the trial of Joan of Arc.
Imagine that you are a newspaper reporter appointed to cover the execution of Joan of Arc. Write a column for your paper that records the details of that day. Your account can vary according to whether you believe she was burned, or whether she escaped.
