In Act 5, Scene 4 of William Shakespeare's Henry VI, Part 1, Joan la Pucelle (Joan of Arc) delivers a fervent monologue asserting her noble lineage and divine mission as she faces condemnation.

Title of Monologue:

Joan la Pucelle's Monologue from Act 5, Scene 4 of Henry VI, Part 1

Synopsis:

Joan la Pucelle, condemned by the English, declares that she is not the daughter of a mere shepherd but descends from kings, chosen by divine grace to perform miracles. She denies any association with evil spirits and accuses her condemners of projecting their own corruptions onto her. Joan maintains her chastity and virtue, asserting that her unjust execution will cry for vengeance in heaven.

What’s just happened before this moment that’s relevant to the scene?

Joan has been captured by the English forces. Prior to her monologue, she is confronted by a shepherd claiming to be her father, whom she vehemently denies, asserting her noble birth. The English leaders, including York and Warwick, condemn her to execution, prompting her impassioned speech.

Original Text:

JOAN LA PUCELLE

First, let me tell you whom you have condemn'd:

Not me begotten of a shepherd swain,

But issued from the progeny of kings;

Virtuous and holy; chosen from above,

By inspiration of celestial grace,

To work exceeding miracles on earth.

I never had to do with wicked spirits:

But you, that are polluted with your lusts,

Stain'd with the guiltless blood of innocents,

Corrupt and tainted with a thousand vices,

Because you want the grace that others have,

You judge it straight a thing impossible

To compass wonders but by help of devils.

No, misconceived! Joan of Arc hath been

A virgin from her tender infancy,

Chaste and immaculate in very thought;

Whose maiden blood, thus rigorously effused,

Will cry for vengeance at the gates of heaven.

Translation of Text into Contemporary Language:

JOAN LA PUCELLE

First, let me tell you whom you have condemned:

I am not the daughter of a shepherd,

But descended from a line of kings;

Virtuous and holy, chosen from above

By divine inspiration

To perform extraordinary miracles on earth.

I have never dealt with evil spirits;

But you, corrupted by your desires,

Stained with the innocent blood of guiltless people,

Corrupt and tainted with countless vices,

Because you lack the grace that others have,

You immediately assume it's impossible

To achieve wonders without the help of devils.

No, you are mistaken! Joan of Arc has been

A virgin since her tender childhood,

Chaste and pure in every thought;

Her maiden blood, thus cruelly shed,

Will cry for vengeance at the gates of heaven.*

Meaning of Difficult or Unusual Words:

  • Shepherd swain: A young shepherd.

  • Progeny: Descendants or lineage.

  • Compass: Achieve or accomplish.

  • Misconceived: Misunderstood or mistaken.

  • Effused: Poured out.

Breakdown of Text into ‘New Thought’ Paragraphs:

  1. Assertion of Noble Lineage:
    First, let me tell you whom you have condemn'd:
    Not me begotten of a shepherd swain,
    But issued from the progeny of kings;
    Joan asserts that she is not of humble origin but descends from royal bloodlines.

  2. Claim of Divine Selection:
    Virtuous and holy; chosen from above,
    By inspiration of celestial grace,
    To work exceeding miracles on earth.
    She claims to be virtuous and divinely chosen to perform miracles.

  3. Denial of Association with Evil:
    I never had to do with wicked spirits:
    But you, that are polluted with your lusts,
    Stain'd with the guiltless blood of innocents,
    Corrupt and tainted with a thousand vices,
    Joan denies any dealings with evil spirits and accuses her condemners of being morally corrupt.

  4. Accusation of Misjudgment:
    Because you want the grace that others have,
    You judge it straight a thing impossible
    To compass wonders but by help of devils.
    She accuses them of lacking grace and therefore assuming that miracles can only be achieved through demonic means.

  5. Affirmation of Chastity:
    No, misconceived! Joan of Arc hath been
    A virgin from her tender infancy,
    Chaste and immaculate in very thought;
    Joan affirms her lifelong virginity and purity of thought.

  6. Forewarning of Divine Retribution:
    Whose maiden blood, thus rigorously effused,
    Will cry for vengeance at the gates of heaven.
    She warns that her unjust execution will call for divine vengeance.

Journey Keypoints:

  • Hook: Joan challenges her condemners by asserting her noble and divine origins.

  • Turning Point: She denies any association with evil and turns the accusation of corruption back onto her judges.

  • Climax: Joan passionately defends her chastity and virtue.

  • Resolution: She prophesies that her spilled innocent blood will seek vengeance from heaven.

Famous or Notable Actresses Who Have Played the Role:

  • Fiona Shaw: Portrayed Joan in the Royal Shakespeare Company's 1984 production, delivering a performance noted for its intensity and depth.

  • Jane Lapotaire: Assumed the role in the 1977 RSC production, offering a compelling interpretation of Joan's complex character.

This monologue delves into themes of identity, virtue, and divine justice, providing rich material for performance and analysis.