The "story" seems to be far more focused on the men and their perspectives regarding Joan rather than Joan herself. It's quite disheartening to note this imbalance.

The epilogue was truly gut-wrenching. In it, all the men managed to excuse their actions towards her, just as they had done when she was still alive. It shows a lack of true accountability and a rather callous attitude.

Nevertheless, there is a glimmer of excitement. We are looking forward to seeing it performed, especially since we're adding swordfights. Thank Jesus for that small mercy. The addition of swordfights is bound to bring an element of excitement and drama to the production, perhaps overshadowing, to some extent, the less savory aspects of the story. It gives us hope that the performance will be a memorable one, despite the flaws in the narrative.

Most Joan of Arc stories tend to be rather one-sided. They depict Joan in a white hat, representing the hero, and the Inquisitors in black hats, symbolizing the villains. As a result, the plot often devolves into a rather bland "hero's journey". However, Shaw takes a different approach.

He views the story through a sympathetic lens, which is truly refreshing. It is quite astonishing to find oneself agreeing with the so-called "bad guys". When Joan comes face to face with her judge and jury, one can sense the inner conflict within some of the jury members regarding her status as a Saint or a Witch.

I have the impression that Shaw is using this story as a springboard for contemplating the ideals of Protestantism (the singular) versus Catholicism (the unified), as well as the problems that arise from obedience to a human system of law. Honestly, how can we be certain that Joan wasn't hearing demons instead of angels? This question adds an interesting layer of complexity to the narrative and forces the reader to question their own assumptions and beliefs.

A Passage to the Preface:

George Bernard Shaw possesses the remarkable ability to utilize his sharp wits to amuse and engage the reader to the core. This is not only evident in the play itself but also in the accompanying preface. In the preface, he delves into a wide range of topics, from St. John to Medieval History, and from Critics to Playgoers. Shaw's satire is all-encompassing, sparing nothing, not even Shakespeare. He playfully mocks everything that catches his attention and prompts him to reflect.

Saint Joan's character belongs to the category of those 'manly women' who rebel against society. The only hitch is that she fails to comprehend that her ideas are completely at odds with the society she lives in. She struggles to make sense of the world around her, thus becoming an endearing rebel. Everyone loves her, and yet it is inevitable for her to face the stake. She is one of those ordinary individuals who can only gain respect after their passing.

Shaw successfully transports us to the medieval period with its feudal system and the unchallenged authority of the Church. He demonstrates how the seeds of Protestantism were being planted during this era. He does justice to both the simplicity of Joan's views and the necessity for her persecutors to burn her.

However, the pièce de résistance of the play lies in its humor. Shaw's humor has a profound essence. It stems from a deep understanding of the human psyche and the world that surrounds us. It is similar to that of Woody Allen and Oscar Wilde, a humor that compels us to think long after it has made us laugh. It is this thought-provoking humor that surfaces during the play and forces us to contemplate Joan's situation and our own.

George Bernard Shaw had a unique ability to use his intelligence to describe the Middle Ages with its feudal system and the way in which the seeds of Protestantism were sown and religion was used.

He was able to analyze and critique these aspects of history in a thought-provoking and engaging manner. His works often explored the complex relationship between society, religion, and power during that era.

Through his writing, Shaw shed light on the various injustices and inequalities that existed, as well as the role that religion played in maintaining the status quo. He also examined the ways in which the Protestant Reformation challenged the established order and led to significant social and political changes.

Overall, George Bernard Shaw's understanding and portrayal of the Middle Ages and its religious and social dynamics added depth and richness to our knowledge of this important period in history.

Joan of Arc is truly one of those enigmatic figures from history that defy easy categorization.

I have been captivated by her story for a long time. During my time in France, I made a pilgrimage to Rouen and visited the Church of St. Joan of Arc.

Near the church lies the very spot where she was brutally burnt at the stake.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_St_Joan_of_Arc


I find Joan to be an incredibly moving historical personality. If she were alive today, I firmly believe she would have had a profound impact on the world.

She was a woman who did not measure her worth by the standards of her era but by the standards of heaven.

Even today, she serves as an inspiration to countless women who strive to live in accordance with their beliefs and faith, rather than conforming to what the world expects of them.

Shaw, in his play, incorporated many of his own beliefs and views, and I found his insights quite remarkable.

He conducted in-depth research on Joan, and I appreciate how he depicted her as a very human figure with a divine calling, rather than a divine being involved in human affairs.

A saint, as he portrayed Joan, is someone who, despite human weaknesses, gives their all to following divine instructions to help their fellow human beings.

Shaw presented Joan in this light, thus communicating that she was a woman who wholeheartedly believed in her mission and saw it through to its tragic end.

A wonderful story is that of Bernard Shaw. He was able to embody the combative and saintly personalities in his wonderful plays, which are a delight to read.

Shaw's works are known for their sharp wit, social criticism, and exploration of complex human nature. His plays often deal with themes such as love, marriage, class, and politics.

Through his characters, Shaw presents different perspectives and challenges the audience to think deeply about these issues. His writing style is engaging and accessible, making his plays enjoyable for both casual readers and theater enthusiasts.

Overall, Bernard Shaw is a master playwright whose works continue to be relevant and influential today. His ability to bring to life combative and saintly characters in his plays is a testament to his great talent and creativity.

I listened to this truly excellent audio performance of George Bernard Shaw's remarkable play, Saint Joan.

Amy Irving gives a fantastic portrayal as Joan. I had an old reading challenge that necessitated listening to an Audie Award winner, and this one was rightfully so in 2010.

Scene 4 stands out as my favorite section. In this scene, the churchmen and feudal generals engage in a passionate argument about the nature of the triple threats they encounter from Nationalism, Protestantism, and Mohammedism. It is a fascinating exploration of the complex issues and forces at play during that time period. The different perspectives and ideas presented by the characters make for a captivating and thought-provoking listening experience.

This audio performance brings Shaw's play to life in a vivid and engaging way, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in the story and the characters. It is a must-listen for anyone interested in great literature and powerful performances.

"If only she had just remained quiet!"--one of the Church leaders before they all vote to allow her to be burned at the stake.

I have read this play several times and witnessed its performances on stage and in film. However, I reread it as I am currently engaged in reading or rereading many of Shaw's remarkable plays. And this one is surely among his four or five best. It is refreshing to find that it lacks the overbearing male characters that I have grown so weary of hearing in other works. Instead, it features a strong female character, Joan d'Arc, a well-known figure in the history of war, religion, and feminism. The cynical and skeptical Shaw identifies her as "Saint" Joan.

Joan comes from a shepherd background, a simple farmer's girl who hears voices instructing her to lead the French Army to victory over the invading British. The idea of "hearing voices" might typically connote insanity or schizophrenia, especially to atheists. But not so for Shaw or, of course, Catholics. Reviewer Manny points out that Joan passionately champions France over Britain from a nationalistic perspective. Moreover, she even prioritizes the army over the Catholic Church, as if she were a Protestant, favoring God's directives over those of the Church.

Joan, a girl dressed as a male soldier, chooses to fight rather than conform to the traditional role of a wife and mother. She fearlessly speaks up against older male authority figures, and more often than not, she is right on matters related to both military strategy and faith. These very facts contribute to the decision of the males in the Church and France to sentence her to be burned at the stake.

This play consists of six scenes, but I am particularly fond of the Epilogue. Here, we encounter Joan and some of her detractors in the afterlife. We also learn that Joan is canonized four centuries later, a process that requires the Church to accept a profound critique of itself, which apparently takes a considerable amount of time. I also appreciate that the skeptical Shaw endorses Joan as a saint, a political leader, and a strong young woman. Beautifully written and undeniably moving, this play is truly a classic.

Now I have come to understand how this truly remarkable play has bestowed such great fame and a renowned name upon G.B. Shaw. It is truly astonishing to see the impact that this particular piece of work has had on his reputation. The play seems to possess an inherent charm and quality that has captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the world. It is no wonder that it has become such a significant part of theatrical history. Through its engaging storyline, powerful characters, and thought-provoking themes, it has managed to leave a lasting impression on all who have witnessed it. G.B. Shaw's talent and genius are truly on display in this play, and it is clear that it has played a crucial role in establishing him as one of the most important playwrights of his time.

Honestly, I find myself at a loss when it comes to "reviewing" this work. It's more of a first-time reaction to reading something by this author (as far as I'm aware. I'm an eclectic reader, and perhaps in some distant past, in a dark alley of literary exploration, I might have come across something else by this author). I simply had a sudden urge to read about Joan, and this is where I started.

This play script is teeming with side characters, each with their own names and roles. They flitted through my mind faster than I could label and categorize them. At times, I even lost my focus on dear Joan herself. Shaw assures us in the preface that there are no villains, but it seems that everyone's motives are up for debate, even God's. I must admit that there were a few moments when I had to shut everything out and just focus on breathing.

In the end, as I always am when I think about poor Joan, I'm grateful that I didn't live during that time, and that my daughters and I are dealing with the issues of today. I will definitely read this again, on another day, armed with plenty of background research to properly place the characters in their appropriate costumes, settings, and roles. I need to be able to distinguish a sign from God from a mundane contribution to breakfast.

My four stars are dedicated to Joan and all that she represents. Women who fight until the end, unwavering in their beliefs, only to be recognized or thanked long after they're gone, when we can't even remember the scent that lingered around them - whether it was lavender, rosemary, soap, or a combination of all.

Saint Joan: A Chronicle Play in Six Scenes and an Epilogue by George Bernard Shaw

Saint Joan is a remarkable play penned by George Bernard Shaw. It delves into the life of the 15th-century French military icon, Joan of Arc. Premiering in 1923, just three years after her canonization by the Roman Catholic Church, the play vividly dramatizes her life based on the extensive records of her trial.

Shaw meticulously studied the transcripts and came to the conclusion that the people involved acted in good faith according to their beliefs. In the preface to the play, he wrote, "There are no villains in the piece. Crime, like disease, is not interesting: it is something to be done away with by general consent, and that is all [there is] about it. It is what men do at their best, with good intentions, and what normal men and women find that they must and will do in spite of their intentions, that really concern us."

Shaw characterized Saint Joan as "A Chronicle Play in 6 Scenes and an Prologue or Preface".

Joan, a simple peasant girl, claimed to have visions of Saint Margaret, Saint Catherine, and the archangel Michael, which she believed were sent by God to guide her.

The first performance date was February 26, 2012 AD. The book's details include the title "Jeanne d'Arc (Saint Joan)", author George Bernard Shaw, translator Mahmoud Heidarian (Arash), published in Tehran by Gam in 1984 (1363 in the Iranian calendar), with 215 pages, and the subject being Irish writers' stories in the 20th century.

Remember that there is a grain of truth behind every "It was just a joke", a bit of curiosity behind "I just asked like that", some emotions behind "What do I care anyway...", some wisdom behind "What do I know", and a little pain behind "It's okay".

Jeanne d'Arc, also known as the Maid of Orleans, was a national hero of France and a member of the Catholic Church. During the Hundred Years' War against England, she led the French. Near the city of Compiègne, due to the betrayal of the city's mayor, she was captured by the Burgundians and sold to the English. Jeanne d'Arc was tried in a church court by Bishop Pierre Cauchon, convicted of heresy against the church's laws, and burned at the stake in the Vieux Marché of Rouen. A little later, in a retrial court in 1456 AD, the honor of this heroic maiden was proven again.

The date of publication was 12/03/1400 in the Iranian calendar; 25/12/1400 in the Iranian calendar; A. Sharbiani.

Joan of Arc is a remarkable figure in history.

Her story is one of courage, faith, and determination.

Born a peasant girl, she believed she had received divine guidance to lead the French army against the English during the Hundred Years' War.

Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, Joan fearlessly led the troops into battle.

Her unwavering belief in her mission inspired those around her and gave them the strength to fight.

Tragically, Joan was captured by the English and put on trial.

She was accused of heresy and witchcraft, but she remained steadfast in her beliefs.

Ultimately, she was burned at the stake, but her legacy lived on.

Today, Joan of Arc is remembered as a national hero in France and an inspiration to people around the world.

Her story serves as a reminder that one person can make a difference and that faith and courage can overcome even the greatest of odds.