Throughout Saint Joan, a story written by George Bernard Shaw, parallels are drawn to the story of King Henry V as the idea of feminism is tested through the different gender role expectations of society during the fifteenth century. Joan of Arc and King Henry V are prime examples of two individuals that were held to different standards based upon their genders. Joan challenged these expectations while Henry lived up to them.
Due to society’s influence on gender roles throughout the fifteenth century, Joan of Arc was seen as a deranged woman for many reasons. For example, she claimed to be a messenger of God, she represented herself through the use of men's attire along with the portrayal of male-like qualities. This can be observed throughout …show more content…
She continued to be a leader of the army in her attempt to take over Paris, which many thought was a mistake as she was a woman, and again, the idea that fighting should only be done by men continued to be prevalent. Some people, such as La Hire, had no choice but to give into Joan’s actions, stating, “De Baudricourt is a blazing ass; but he is a soldier; and if he thinks she can beat the English, all the rest of the army will think so too,” (Shaw 2.2. n.pg.). Although society had their doubts, Joan proved that she was capable of doing anything thing that a man could do. She would not let any obstacles hinder her ability to do anything, especially fight in the …show more content…
Now set the teeth and stretch the nostril wide, hold hard the breath and bend up every spirit, to his full height. (Sparknotes n.pg.)
Henry provides a sense of hope, as if capturing the crown is within arm's reach, while Joan struggles to convince her people she is fit to be the leader of an army. The diction used throughout his speech makes it that much stronger as he uses words such as “tiger,” “blood,” and “rage” to prepare for battle and build the action that is to come. Joan’s scene is more so a verbal disagreement between characters, and is not very effective. This also happens to be ironic because more people are willing to listen and be led by a man such as Henry, rather than a woman and outcast such as
Due to society’s influence on gender roles throughout the fifteenth century, Joan of Arc was seen as a deranged woman for many reasons. For example, she claimed to be a messenger of God, she represented herself through the use of men's attire along with the portrayal of male-like qualities. This can be observed throughout …show more content…
She continued to be a leader of the army in her attempt to take over Paris, which many thought was a mistake as she was a woman, and again, the idea that fighting should only be done by men continued to be prevalent. Some people, such as La Hire, had no choice but to give into Joan’s actions, stating, “De Baudricourt is a blazing ass; but he is a soldier; and if he thinks she can beat the English, all the rest of the army will think so too,” (Shaw 2.2. n.pg.). Although society had their doubts, Joan proved that she was capable of doing anything thing that a man could do. She would not let any obstacles hinder her ability to do anything, especially fight in the …show more content…
Now set the teeth and stretch the nostril wide, hold hard the breath and bend up every spirit, to his full height. (Sparknotes n.pg.)
Henry provides a sense of hope, as if capturing the crown is within arm's reach, while Joan struggles to convince her people she is fit to be the leader of an army. The diction used throughout his speech makes it that much stronger as he uses words such as “tiger,” “blood,” and “rage” to prepare for battle and build the action that is to come. Joan’s scene is more so a verbal disagreement between characters, and is not very effective. This also happens to be ironic because more people are willing to listen and be led by a man such as Henry, rather than a woman and outcast such as