Saint Joan · Chapter
Contrast with Napoleon explained
This chapter contrasts Joan of Arc with Socrates and Napoleon, highlighting how Joan's impetuous action and saintly innocence led to her destruction, while Napoleon's calculated ambition allowed him to die in his bed.
What happens
This chapter contrasts Joan of Arc with Socrates and Napoleon, highlighting how Joan's impetuous action and saintly innocence led to her destruction, while Napoleon's calculated ambition allowed him to die in his bed. It explores the paradox that saints like Joan, Christ, and Socrates are destroyed by fear of their superior benevolence, whereas conquerors and official scoundrels often escape martyrdom.
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 Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Shaw directly…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- The Tragedy of Greatness
Explores how superior beings like Joan, Socrates, and Christ are destroyed by fear, while conquerors like Napoleon escape martyrdom.
- Faith and Reason
Contrasts Socrates' rational argument with Joan's faith-driven action, and the irrational fear they inspire.
Characters to notice
- Joan of Arc
Compared to Socrates and Napoleon; her innocence and impetuous action led to her martyrdom.
- Napoleon
Contrasted with Joan; his lack of frankness and disinterest allowed him to die in his bed.
- Socrates
Compared to Joan; his peaceful argument contrasted with her violent action, yet both were destroyed.
- Christ
Mentioned as another saint whose superior benevolence inspired fear and crucifixion.
- Muhammad
Cited as one who was both saint and conqueror, needing the conqueror to save the saint.
- King Charles VII
Implied as one of those glad to be rid of Joan after she crowned him.
Key passages
“If Socrates was as innocent as this at the age of seventy, it may be imagined how innocent Joan was at the age of seventeen.”
Socrates' innocence at seventy suggests Joan's even greater innocence at seventeen.
Establishes the comparison between Socrates and Joan's innocence.
“Now Socrates was a man of argument, operating slowly and peacefully on men’s minds, whereas Joan was a woman of action, operating with impetuous violence on their bodies.”
Socrates worked through peaceful debate, while Joan acted with forceful urgency.
Highlights the contrast in their methods.
“Fear will drive men to any extreme; and the fear inspired by a superior being is a mystery which cannot be reasoned away.”
Fear of a superior being is irrational and can lead to extreme actions.
Explains the motivation behind the destruction of saints.
“Joan was burnt without a hand lifted on her own side to save her.”
No one from her own side tried to rescue Joan from execution.
Emphasizes her abandonment by allies.
