1 Qaimari, Yoon

Layan Qaimari, Katie Yoon

McGee

English I - 1st

18 October 2018

Joan of Arc

Dear Sony,

Joan of Arc started out as a peasant daughter in 1412. She was from the village of

Domery, where many of the people were forced to abandon their homes because of the threat of

invasion during the Hundred Years' War. At age thirteen, she was given a mission by, who she

believed was, God to save France by expelling its enemies and to crown Charles as the rightful

King of France. The French were victorious over the English at Orléans, led by Joan of Arc, at

age eighteen. The Anglo-Burgundians wanted to get rid of Joan and discredit Charles so they

convicted her of seventy charges, including witchcraft, heresy, and little things such as dressing

up as a man. She was burnt on a stake on May 30, 1431, at age nineteen. Twenty years later, a

new trial was ordered that cleared her name and she became a saint of France. Joan of Arc’s

actions demonstrates courage, faith, and virtue in her life as a heroine.

Joan of Arc showed the characteristics of a courageous and brave woman throughout her

short-lived life. As she led her men into a destructive battle, she said, “I am not afraid... I was

born to do this,” (Joan of Arc). Even in a life-threatening situation, Joan stood her ground and

was able to lead her troops forward. Joan also spread her bravery to her troops when she said
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things such as, “Courage! Do not fall back,” (Joan of Arc). Joan had the bravery to be able to

stay courageous and help others as well, even at a young age. Her courage and bravery helped

her to be a successful leader to the French army.

Loyalty and faith were also an important aspect of Joan and her journey and life that

occurred many times. Joan said, “I was in my thirteenth year when I heard a voice from God to

help me govern my conduct. And the first time I was very much afraid,” (Joan of Arc). These

voices and visions instructed her to go to Vaucouleurs and contact Robert de Baudricourt. She

believed that these messages were from God about her divine mission. Joan stated, “If I am not,

may God put me there; and if I am, may God so keep me,” (Joan of Arc). Joan says that God will

put her in the right place and keep her where she needs to be; she puts a lot of trust in God and

holds onto her faith and loyalty to the mission he gave her. In conclusion, Her faith and loyalty

lead her to lead the French to victory and be remembered as a saint after she had died.

Joan of Arc was a virtuous person through her whole life. After her death, an anonymous

soldier said, “God forgive us: we have burned a saint,” (Biography.com Editors). The people of

the church realized how virtuous Joan was when she was finally canonized in 1920. They saw

how her whole life was centered around God and her faith. Joan herself said, “I would rather die

than do something which I know to be a sin or to be against God's will,” (Joan of Arc). This

shows how much she valued the things that she believed in and how much she had faith in them.

Joan strongly believed that she should not sin and that she should always follow what God tells

her to do.
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In conclusion, Joan of Arc is a leader and heroine of France at just 18, helping defeat the

English in the hundred years war. She was brave, very loyal, and was full of virtue, in her

journey and throughout her full-filled life. She overcame her life as a peasant and led France to

victory in war against the English at the young age of 18. Although she was said to be a witch

and burnt at stake, her name cleared up 20 years later to a saint. Joan of Arc was “The Maid of

Orleans” and the national heroine of France.

Thank you,

Layan Qaimari and Katie Yoon

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Work cited

Editors, History.com. “Joan of Arc.” ​History.com,​ A&E Television Networks, 2009,

www.history.com/topics/middle-ages/saint-joan-of-arc​.

“Joan of Arc.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 27 Feb. 2018,

www.biography.com/people/joan-of-arc-9354756​.

“Inspiring Quotes By Joan of Arc For The Brave Hearts.” ​55 Inspiring Quotes By Joan of

Arc For The Brave Hearts​, quotes.thefamouspeople.com/joan-of-arc-1858.php.