Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc · Chapter
XXXV: The Heir of France Is Crowned explained
Joan and the army march triumphantly to Rheims, where Charles VII is crowned in a grand ceremony.
What happens
Joan and the army march triumphantly to Rheims, where Charles VII is crowned in a grand ceremony. Joan reflects on her mission nearing completion, and the King grants Domremy a permanent tax exemption. The chapter highlights the adoration of the people and the solemn farewell between Joan and her soldiers.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it represents the emotional and psychological peak of Joan's suffe…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Faith and Divine Mission
Joan's mission culminates in the coronation, seen as divine fulfillment; the holy flask is described as heaven-sent, reinforcing the sacred nature of her task.
- Patriotism and National Identity
The coronation unites France; the tax exemption for Domremy symbolizes national gratitude and the enduring bond between the people and the Maid.
- Innocence and Purity
Joan's simple request for Domremy's tax exemption reflects her unchanged, selfless nature despite her fame; the people's adoration highlights her perceived purity.
Characters to notice
- Joan of Arc
Rides in white armor, gazes at Rheims with deep joy; bids farewell to her army; secures tax exemption for Domremy; is adored by the people.
- Louis de Conte
Narrates the events, describes the coronation and the holy flask, and reflects on the significance of the tax exemption.
- Charles VII
Crowned at Rheims; grants Domremy a permanent tax exemption; lodges at the Archbishop's Palace.
- Guillaume Fronte
Mentioned as having told Louis de Conte about the holy flask in Domremy.
Key passages
“Her sublime mission was closing—closing in flawless triumph. Tomorrow she could say, 'It is finished—let me go free.'”
Joan's divine purpose was reaching its perfect conclusion; she would soon be able to declare her work complete and seek release.
Reflects Joan's sense of fulfillment and anticipation of the end of her active role.
“Domremi Rien—La Pucelle”
Domremy owes nothing—the Maid of Orleans.
The official record of the tax exemption, showing France's enduring gratitude to Joan.
