The armor also symbolizes Joan's bravery-not just in physical risks, but also in the risks to her reputation. Wearing armor is a reminder that Joan is actively engaging in battle, risking injury or death on the battlefield. Joan's armor symbolizes both her bravery and her vulnerability. Joan's armor (symbol)Ī suit of armor is one of the first things Joan asks for, and she continues to wear this traditionally male attire throughout the play. The shallow and superficial world is one reason that Joan finds it hard to fit in. At a time when the fate of their country is at stake, the French nobles still think about superficial qualities, appearances, and impressing one another. The world of a court is a world where Joan is mocked for having short hair, and where it is hard for the Dauphin to gain respect because he dresses in shabby clothes.

His beard symbolizes how the aristocrats at the French court care a great deal about maintaining appearances.

Bluebeard's beard (symbol)Īs his nickname would suggest, Bluebeard has a carefully styled beard which he dyes. In a play with much debate about what makes nations different from one another, this gesture symbolizes the idea that people have a shared bond that transcends language, religion, and national loyalty. Although the English should be considered Joan's enemies and she has fought to drive them out of her country, an English soldier still wants to offer her a small amount of comfort in her final moments. The cross symbolizes compassion and universal humanity. The cross made of sticks (symbol)Īs Joan is being burnt alive, an English soldier makes a simple cross out of sticks and hands it to her. 105), which further extends the potential symbolism. Nicole Coonradt also observes that 'The egg is the traditional symbol of Easter that celebrates Christ's resurrection and triumph over death' (pg. The hens laying eggs again symbolizes the hope that Joan brings with her the particular symbolism is linked to both Joan's humble status as a farmgirl and to her femininity. The lack of eggs symbolizes potential hunger and scarcity (eggs could be a valuable food item) which threatens the French as the English overrun the country. They are losing more and more territory, and they lack leadership because of the Dauphin's precarious position. Before Joan comes onto the scene, the French are in a state of stagnation. The laying of the eggs symbolizes rebirth and renewal for the French military forces. After he agrees to provide Joan with arms and a horse, the chickens begin laying again. In the first scene of the play, Robert Baudricourt is frustrated that his chickens have ceased to lay eggs.

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