(This image arguably shows Christine de Pizan talking with her contemporary Joan of Arc, although a meeting like this was never recorded, Christine did in fact write a poem about Joan of Arc and her abilities as a soldier of God.)
Christine de Pizan while the
first true female writer in European history recognized the abilities of her contemporaries. Notably she wrote a poem on July 31st, 1429
concerning none other than the Maid, Joan of Arc. The reason for this connection
other than Christine’s focus on writing about powerful women comes from her
connection to her adopted nation, France. Christine grew up in the French royal
court under Charles V because her father worked as a court astrologer. This
gave her the opportunity not only to an education but also to the elites of the
French nation. Understandably, Christine revered Joan of Arc and the power she
returned to the failing French in the time of the Hundred Years War.
Instead of being an epic tale of
the brilliance of Joan as a soldier, this poem offers more an overview of the
resurgence of France against the English. She wrote most of the poem concerning
the renewed power of the French monarchy and Charles VII. Yet there are verses
that specifically deal with Joan or the Maid as Christine refers to her. In her
poem verses 11, 13, 14, and 21-36 all cover Joan of Arc and the tremendous
ability she had to the lead the French nation against the detestable English
forces. With God on her side, this virgin accomplished what military men could
not. She not only relieved the siege of Orleans she managed to get the king to
his official coronation at Reims. Christine wrote this for the benefit of the
elites in France as well as the rest of the continent to hear the story of Joan
of Arc and her battles against the English.
Location of the full poem (in
translated version):
2 comments:
Interesting post! this links back directly to what we have learned in class. I would like to see the poems regarding Joan of Arc, and the ways in which Christine refers to her.
Jacob,
If you click the link I have at the end of the post it will bring you to the page which has a translated version of the poem, at the top of the page there is a link that says "The Song of Joan of Arc by Christine de Pisan" if you click that it will bring you directly to the poem.
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