54 pages 1 hour read

George Bernard Shaw

Saint Joan

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1923

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw follows the journey of Joan of Arc, a 15th-century French heroine who seeks to drive the English out of France, succeeds in leading the French army to victory, and crowns Charles VII as king. Despite her successes, Joan faces betrayal, a trial for heresy, and execution, ultimately questioning the societal and religious norms of her time. The play includes explicit content such as threats of torture, sexual assault, and suicide.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw is lauded for its dynamic portrayal of Joan of Arc and its sharp, intelligent dialogue. The play's historical accuracy and exploration of complex themes earn praise, though some critics find its dense text and philosophical debates challenging. Overall, it is admired for its thought-provoking and nuanced character study.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Saint Joan?

A reader who appreciates historical drama with strong, complex characters would enjoy Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw. This literary work appeals to fans of A Man for All Seasons by Robert Bolt and Antigone by Sophocles, as it combines rich historical context with powerful themes of individualism and defiance.

RecommendedReading Age

16+years

Lexile Level

NP0L

Book Details

Genre

Play: Drama

Play: Tragedy

Play: Historical

Themes

Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality

Society: Politics & Government

Emotions/Behavior: Courage

Period

Post-War Era