'Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc, Volumes 1 & 2' Summary

The story begins in the village of Domremy, where Joan, a young peasant girl, experiences visions and hears voices that guide her on a mission to save France from English occupation. With unwavering conviction and divine inspiration, she convinces the Dauphin, Charles VII, to entrust her with the command of his army. Joan leads French forces to victory at the Siege of Orleans, a pivotal turning point in the Hundred Years' War. She continues her military campaigns, achieving remarkable successes that solidify her position as a national hero. However, her triumph is short-lived as she is captured by Burgundian forces and subsequently handed over to the English. Joan's unwavering faith and refusal to recant her beliefs ultimately lead to her condemnation and execution as a heretic. Twain's narrative focuses on Joan's unwavering faith, her courage in the face of adversity, and her deep compassion for her people. He depicts her as a complex and multifaceted individual, highlighting her strength, vulnerability, and ultimately her tragic demise.