Saint Joan

Saint Joan Summary | Scene 1 Summary

The play opens in the French castle, Vaucouleurs, on a river between Lorraine and Champagne in the year 1429. A military officer, Robert de Baudricourt is incredulous and angry at his steward because there are no eggs for his breakfast. According to the steward, the hens are not producing because of the presence of Maid Joan who is waiting at the door of the castle to see Robert. Ultimately, Robert is convinced to receive Joan who is able to convince the officer to provide armor and a horse as well as the assistance of a few of his best men. Joan's pleas are successful; the young girl is confident that she will be able to reach the Dauphin and convince him to raise a siege at Orleans to drive the English out of France. Robert is taken in by the persistence of the girl but finds her assertions of hearing the voices of Saint Margaret and Saint Catherine more than a bit preposterous. Thinking that Joan is mad, Robert reluctantly releases provisions and wishes the girl success in her mission. He hopes that her fervor and talk of God may be just what the troops require to bolster morale and purpose. Content in this mini victory, Joan leaves the castle. The steward returns to inform Robert that the hens have again begun to lay eggs, proving to Robert that Joan is indeed sent from God.