Trial of Joan of Arc

Captured for her part in leading French troops to war against the English and her support of Charles VII, Joan faces trial under the direction and influence of the English judicial system, which demands that an example is made of her. During the interrogation in the court room and in her cell, the 19 year-old girl reveals that she has acted on the advice of heavenly voices and visions of St Catherine, St Margaret, St Michael and even God himself, and that she continues to hear the voices daily, even in captivity. Such admissions make the work of the religious authorities difficult, since it is in their interest to demonstrate that she is a witch who has acted on the word of the devil, in order to discredit Charles VII who has been enthroned through Joan’s efforts. Joan is challenged on her wearing of men’s clothing, her claims to be a virgin and she is charged with using witchcraft to win victories in battle and with allowing herself to be revered by the people as a saint. Against the relentless pressure of the court to explain or renounce her behaviour however, Joan resolutely maintains the correctness of her actions, only answering what God will allow her to answer and maintaining her allegiance to the king, even if it means that she will be burnt at the stake for her beliefs.