what shakespeare play is joan of arc mentioned
Rayan Khaled
Joan of Arc ( is a major character in William Shakespeare’s history play Henry VI, Part 1 ( In the play, she goes by the name Joan la Pucelle ( (“Joan the Maid”).
How She Is Portrayed
Because the play was written for an English audience, Shakespeare depicts her very differently from the revered French saint we know today:
- Dual Perspectives. The French characters view her as a holy prophetess and military savior. Meanwhile, the English generals see her as a dangerous witch and heretic.
- A Formidable Warrior. She successfully leads the French army against England, lifts the siege of Orléans, and even duels the English commander Lord Talbot.
- Supernatural Elements. In Act V, Shakespeare shows her summoning demons to help defeat the English. When the spirits abandon her, the Duke of York captures her.
- Capture and Execution. Before being led offstage to be burned at the stake, she disowns her peasant father and falsely claims to be pregnant to avoid execution.
You can read more about this sharp contrast in her character on the Folger Shakespeare Library or explore the full plot on the Royal Shakespeare Company website.