Saint Joan · Chapter
History Always Out of Date explained
This chapter discusses how history is taught with outdated perspectives and lies, using Joan of Arc as an example of how her story has been distorted by anti-Clerical, Protestant, and Roman Catholic biases over time.
What happens
This chapter discusses how history is taught with outdated perspectives and lies, using Joan of Arc as an example of how her story has been distorted by anti-Clerical, Protestant, and Roman Catholic biases over time.
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 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
- Historical Interpretation
The chapter explores how history is distorted by contemporary biases and lies that persist beyond their original political circumstances.
- Heresy and Sanctity
Joan's story is framed through conflicting religious lenses—anti-Clerical, Protestant, and Roman Catholic—each shaping her legacy.
Characters to notice
- Joan of Arc
Subject of historical lies and religious distortions discussed in the chapter.
- George Washington
Mentioned as an example of historical figures taught with lies in their own time.
- Luther
Referenced in the context of the Reformation that Joan unconsciously anticipated.
Key passages
“The truth sticks in our throats with all the sauces it is served with: it will never go down until we take it without any sauce at all.”
The truth is hard to accept when it is presented with various biases; only when presented plainly can it be truly understood.
Metaphor for how historical truth is obscured by partisan interpretations.
