Joan of Arc Essay -- Biography History Biographies Essays

Joan of Arc The effect of Joan of Arc can be best understood and explained by looking at some of the events surrounding her birth and childhood. She was born in the later half of the Hundred Years’ War. The war was between France and England, which began over the land and control of Aquitaine, located in the southern part of France. Both countries had made legitimate claims of the land, but the dispute was unresolved and war was declared. The war was mainly fought in France and by 1429, England had gained a great portion of France. Joan also entered the world at a time that there was a lot of turmoil not only in her country but also within the church. At this time the Christian theology was not catering enough to the nobility or to the needs of the townspeople. Many were upset and wanted to instill a different type of church. The people became upset with the clergy because they were unaware of or involved in their society. So in order to expel the church leaders and those that st ood in their way, rumors of heresy and accusations were thrown. The church began to spiral into much upheaval. Commoners were accusing priests and clergy of heresy and thus weakening the church and their message. So when Joan was born into a town that was associated with a large group of witches and heretics, rumors began to spread about her also. Joan of Arc can be seen through the eyes of two very different of thinking. One would be that she was a witch and possessed, and the other would be that she was a true saint. Joan of Arc was born at Domremy in Champagne most likely on January 6, 1412. Jacques d’Arc was Joan’s father and he was a poor peasant farmer. Joan was the youngest of a family of five, and was rather uneducated. She, however, was skilled in sewing and spinning. Joan’s family was also very religious and when she was about thirteen and a half; she became aware of her manifestations, which came to her in forms of voices. She recognized these voices later as St. Michael, St. Catherine. St. Margaret, and others. However, Joan was ever so reluctant to speak of her voices to anyone. She gradually learned that she was chosen by God to unite France and to give aid to Dauphin Charles, who she believed was to be King of France. She waited until she was about sixteen to act upon her voices because she had been too scared and meek at age fourteen... ...nized and declared a saint. â€Å"Today she is recognized as the second patron saint of France† (McKay 390). It is interesting to me that a girl of just sixteen could have such an enormous impact. Her patriotism to her country and her unbelievable deep faith is something to be admired. I feel Joan of Arc was a true Saint sent by God to save France from England. God used a child to do his will because of her pure heart. Her victories stand out more to me because of her age and she was a woman. These two elements combined would have made it impossible for France to listen to her, but by God’s will she was able to accomplish much for her country. Works Cited: Cunneen, Sally. â€Å"Joan of Arc.† The Christian Century 24 May 2000: 611. Knight, Kevin. â€Å"St. Joan of Arc.† New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia 8th ed. 1999. McCarthy, Todd. Rev. of â€Å"The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc.† Variety 1 Nov. 1999: 87. McKay, John P. A History of Western Society. New York: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1999. Monet, Jacques. â€Å"Joan of Arc: Her Life.† Theological Studies Sept. 2000: 561. The Divine Joan of Arc. 2000 Visual Presence. Nov. 6, 2000 http://www.godecookery.com/jeanne/jeannet.htm.