Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh delve into Mark Twain’s Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc, an unexpected and deeply admired work from the celebrated author. They explore Twain’s fascination with Joan’s extraordinary life, her divine visions, and her rise from an illiterate peasant to a military leader who reshaped the course of French history. Emily and Tim discuss Joan’s divine mission, her legendary victories, and the tragic betrayal that led to her martyrdom. Emily also delivers a hot take on why Joan of Arc should not be seen as a feminist icon—but rather as a singular figure whose story transcends modern labels.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Remarks and Podcast Review Request

01:36 Mark Twain’s Surprising Admiration for Joan of Arc

07:18 Setting the Historical Context: France After Agincourt

12:45 Joan’s Early Life: Divine Voices and Early Trials

18:09 The Path to the Dauphin: Courage Against All Odds

24:30 Military Leadership: The Siege of Orléans and Beyond

33:10 Betrayal and Trial: The Injustice of Joan’s Martyrdom

42:00 Mark Twain’s Perspective on Joan’s Legacy

50:15 Emily’s Hot Take: Joan of Arc Was Not a Feminist Icon

55:30 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Mark Twain’s Devotion to Joan: Twain, despite his agnosticism and anti-Catholic leanings, called Joan the “most extraordinary person the human race has ever produced” and spent over a decade researching her life.
• Joan’s Divine Mission: Guided by visions of St. Michael, St. Margaret, and St. Catherine, Joan’s mission to liberate France from English rule defied all expectations.
• Military Genius Without Training: Joan’s ability to inspire her troops and lead strategic victories, such as at Orléans, marked her as a singular figure in military history.
• The Injustice of Her Trial: Joan’s sham trial, betrayal by the Burgundians, and execution as a heretic highlight the political machinations behind her martyrdom.
• A Legacy Beyond Feminism: Emily argues that Joan’s significance lies in her divine mission and unparalleled conviction, not in modern feminist interpretations.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Joan of Arc challenge modern perceptions of leadership?
  Explore how her humility and faith-based mission contrast with contemporary ideals of power and influence.
• What makes Mark Twain’s Joan of Arc unique among his works?
  Reflect on Twain’s shift from satire to heartfelt admiration in crafting this historical narrative.
• How did Joan’s military strategy inspire her troops?
  Analyze her insistence on bold, decisive action and the morale she fostered among her soldiers.
• What role did faith play in Joan’s leadership and martyrdom?
  Consider how her religious conviction fueled her actions and shaped her ultimate legacy.
• Should Joan of Arc be seen as a feminist icon?
  Debate Emily’s hot take that Joan’s mission was rooted in divine obedience rather than gender equality.

Suggested Reading

• Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc by Mark Twain
• Joan of Arc: A History by Helen Castor