The Maid of Orleans
The Maid of Orleans is a historical novel written by G.K. Chesterton in 1906. It tells the story of Joan of Arc, from her childhood to her death at the stake. The book explores themes such as faith, patriotism, and heroism.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1906 · Genre: Essay, Literary Criticism, Historical Commentary · 1,616 words
First lines
A considerable time ago (at far too early an age, in fact) I read Voltaire's "La Pucelle," a savage sarcasm on the traditional purity of Joan of Arc, very dirty, and very funny. I had not thought of it again for years, but it came back into my mind this morning because I began to turn over the leaves of the new "Jeanne d'Arc," by that great and graceful writer, Anatole France. It is written in a tone of tender sympathy, and a sort of sad reverence; it never loses touch with a noble tact and courtesy, like that of a gentleman escorting a peasant girl through the modern crowd. It is invariably respectful to Joan, and even respectful to her religion. And being myself a furious admirer of Joan the Maid, I have reflectively compared the two methods, and I come to the conclusion that I prefer Voltaire's.
What this Textopian page supports
The Maid of Orleans is listed on Textopian as a poem by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: G.K. Chesterton
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Essay, Literary Criticism, Historical Commentary, Philosophical, Religious Commentary
- Length: 1,616 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Maid of Orleans by G.K. Chesterton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Maid of Orleans?
- How does this poem by G.K. Chesterton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Essay first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw
- Pabo The Priest Nest by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Lion by G. K. Chesterton
- The Acts Of The Apostles by George Bernard Shaw
- Pabo The Priest Betrayed by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Romance Of Rostand by G. K. Chesterton
Genres
- Essay — The work is a critical essay discussing the portrayal of Joan of Arc by other authors.
- Literary Criticism — It analyzes and critiques the literary methods of Voltaire and Anatole France.
- Historical Commentary — The text provides commentary on historical interpretations of Joan of Arc.
- Philosophical — The work explores philosophical ideas about belief, rationalism, and historical interpretation.
Tags
historical · drama · tragedy · Joan of Arc · religion · faith · heroism · nationalism · war · sacrifice · feminism · medieval