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| Character | Joan of Arc | |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Female | |
| Age Range(s) | Teenager (13-19), Young Adult (20-35) | |
| Type of monologue / Character is | Frustrated, Afraid | |
| Type | Dramatic | |
| Period | Renaissance | |
| Genre | Historical, Drama | |
| Description | Joan of Arc asks the spirits to help her | |
| Location | ACT V, Scene III | |
Summary
The setting is the Hundred Years' War. The English, led by Talbot, are fighting the French, led by Joan of Arc and King Charles.
In the previous act the French had defeated the English army led by Talbot at Bordeaux and killed him. In this scene the French army is fighting a stronger English army led by York and is losing.
Joan of Arc calls the spirits that give her visions and asks them to help her. When they don't respond she offers them to cut off a part of her body first in exchange for help, her body and
then her soul. The spirits leave her and she realizes the French army will lose the battle.
In the previous act the French had defeated the English army led by Talbot at Bordeaux and killed him. In this scene the French army is fighting a stronger English army led by York and is losing.
Joan of Arc calls the spirits that give her visions and asks them to help her. When they don't respond she offers them to cut off a part of her body first in exchange for help, her body and
then her soul. The spirits leave her and she realizes the French army will lose the battle.
Written by Administrator
| Excerpt |
|---|
| JOAN LA PUCELLE The regent conquers, and the Frenchmen fly. Now help, ye charming spells and periapts; And ye choice spirits that admonish me And give me signs of future accidents. [Thunder] You speedy helpers, that are substitutes Under the lordly monarch of the north, Appear and aid me in this enterprise. [Enter Fiends] This speedy and quick appearance argues proof Of your accustom'd diligence to me. Now, ye familiar spirits, that are cull'd Out of the powerful regions under earth, Help me this once, that France may get the field. [They walk, and speak not] O, hold me not with silence over-long! Where I was wont to feed you with my blood, I'll lop a member off and give it you In earnest of further benefit, So you do condescend to help me now. [They hang their heads] No hope to have redress? My body shall Pay recompense, if you will grant my suit. [They shake their heads] Cannot my body nor blood-sacrifice Entreat you to your wonted furtherance? Then take my soul, my body, soul and all, Before that England give the French the foil. [They depart] See, they forsake me! Now the time is come That France must vail her lofty-plumed crest And let her head fall into England's lap. My ancient incantations are too weak, And hell too strong for me to buckle with: Now, France, thy glory droopeth to the dust. [Exit] |
Comments
This is one of the best monologues for women in Henry VI Part 1. It comes towards the climax of the play at a crucial moment, when Joan of Arc realizes the French are losing and she would do anything in her power to win, even selling her soul to the spirits.
The monologue should be performed with increasing intensity and emotion as Joan of Arc becomes more and more desperate as the spirits don't respond to her requests.
The climax of the monologue comes at "then take my soul, my body....give the French the foil" which she yells in desperation.
The final part of the monologue should be performed at a lower tone addressing the audience for more dramatic effect.
The monologue should be performed with increasing intensity and emotion as Joan of Arc becomes more and more desperate as the spirits don't respond to her requests.
The climax of the monologue comes at "then take my soul, my body....give the French the foil" which she yells in desperation.
The final part of the monologue should be performed at a lower tone addressing the audience for more dramatic effect.
