Class 10 English Notes Maharashtra Board – Chapter 1.5: Joan of Arc

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🔖 Chapter Title: Joan of Arc

✨ Brief Introduction

"Joan of Arc" is a dramatic excerpt that portrays the courage and determination of a teenage girl who changed the fate of France. This chapter introduces students to a historical figure who became a national heroine through her bravery, faith, and extraordinary leadership during the Hundred Years’ War. It teaches students about patriotism, faith, and believing in oneself despite all odds.

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👨‍💼 Author Information – George Bernard Shaw

• George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) was a renowned Irish playwright, critic, and polemicist.

• He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925.

• Known for his wit and insight, Shaw’s plays often focused on social and political issues.

• "Joan of Arc" is adapted from his play Saint Joan, which celebrates her spirit and bravery.

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📖 Chapter Summary

The chapter is a dramatized portrayal of Joan of Arc’s early interaction with Captain Robert de Baudricourt. A simple peasant girl, Joan approaches the captain with a bold request — to give her a small army so she can fight against the English and help the Dauphin (future King of France). Despite being ridiculed initially, Joan convinces the captain through her firm belief, courage, and divine inspiration. The captain is impressed by her confidence and eventually agrees to help her meet the Dauphin. The chapter reflects Joan’s unwavering determination and how her divine mission and pure intent influence even hardened soldiers.

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📚 New Words and Meanings

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🎭 Figures of Speech with Examples

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📝 Grammar and Language Study

• Tenses: Past and present used in dialogues.

• Reported Speech: Common throughout the play.

• Question Tags: Example – “You believe in God, don’t you?”

• Negative Sentences: “I don’t care what the Dauphin says.”

• Modal Verbs: “You must do it!”, “Can I meet the Dauphin?”

Practice:

1. Change into indirect speech:

   • Joan said, “I must meet the Dauphin.”
     Answer: Joan said that she must meet the Dauphin.

2. Identify the tense:

   • “I have heard the voices.”
     Answer: Present perfect tense.

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📌 Central Idea or Moral Message

This chapter highlights the strength of conviction, courage, and the belief in divine purpose. Joan, though a young peasant girl, dares to challenge authority and lead an army because of her unwavering faith in her mission. The chapter teaches that true leadership doesn’t depend on age, status, or experience but on one’s courage, vision, and purpose. It inspires readers to pursue their goals with integrity and trust in themselves. It also showcases that people can achieve the impossible when they follow their inner voice and remain steadfast despite opposition.

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📋 Important Exam Questions (with Answers)

🔹 Short Answer

Q1. Who was Joan of Arc and what did she want from the Captain?
Joan of Arc was a young peasant girl who believed God had chosen her to save France. She asked the Captain to give her a few soldiers so she could go meet the Dauphin and help him reclaim the French throne.

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🔹 Long Answer

Q2. What qualities of Joan of Arc are revealed in the extract?
Joan of Arc appears fearless, confident, and deeply spiritual. She stands firm on her beliefs despite being mocked. Her courage, patriotism, and belief in divine voices reflect her strong personality. She uses logic and emotion to convince the Captain, showing leadership and maturity.

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🧠 Previously Asked Board Questions (Last 5 Years)

1. What was Joan’s mission? – (2 Marks)

Joan believed that she was chosen by God to free France from English rule. Her mission was to meet the Dauphin and help him become the rightful king of France.

2. What do we learn about Joan’s character from her dialogue with the Captain? – (3 Marks)

Joan is portrayed as bold, determined, and persuasive. She speaks with confidence and shows unwavering belief in her divine mission. Despite her young age, she displays remarkable leadership and wisdom.

3. How does Joan convince the Captain to help her? – (4 Marks)

Joan uses her faith, courage, and sharp arguments to win over the Captain. She confidently tells him about her divine visions and mission. She refuses to back down even when he laughs at her. Her honesty and spiritual conviction finally impress him, and he agrees to help.

4. Describe the interaction between Joan and Captain Robert and its significance. – (5 Marks)

The interaction between Joan and Captain Robert showcases the transformative power of belief and conviction. Initially, the Captain ridicules Joan for claiming to hear divine voices. However, her unwavering faith, boldness, and patriotism gradually change his perception. She confidently discusses her plan to save France and help the Dauphin. The dialogue signifies the beginning of her historic journey, proving that true leaders rise not by birth but by bravery and purpose.

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🧪 Practice Questions (20 with Answers)

🔹 Objective Questions

1. Who was the Dauphin?
   → Heir to the French throne.

2. What kind of girl was Joan?
   → Brave, spiritual, and patriotic.

3. What did Joan ask from Captain Robert?
   → A few soldiers and permission to meet the Dauphin.

4. What was Captain Robert’s initial reaction?
   → He laughed at her.

5. What gave Joan strength and courage?
   → Her faith and divine voices.

🔹 Short Answer Questions

6. What is the setting of the chapter?
   → A castle room where Joan meets Captain Robert.

7. Why did Joan want to meet the Dauphin?
   → To help him become the King of France.

8. How did the steward and captain treat Joan at first?
   → They mocked and laughed at her.

9. What shows Joan’s confidence?
   → Her bold way of speaking to the Captain.

10. What role does God play in Joan’s life?
    → She believes God guides and inspires her.

🔹 Long Answer Questions

11. Describe the transformation in Captain Robert’s attitude.

12. How is Joan different from other girls of her time?

13. What qualities make Joan a leader?

14. Explain how Shaw builds Joan’s character in this scene.

15. What lessons does the reader learn from this chapter?