Book Description

"Saint Joan" is a play written by George Bernard Shaw, first staged in 1923. It is based on the life and trial of Joan of Arc, the French heroine who played a significant role in the Hundred Years' War between France and England. Shaw's play explores themes of faith, martyrdom, politics, and the nature of leadership. The play portrays Joan as a complex figure, driven by her unwavering faith and conviction that she is following divine guidance. Shaw presents her as a visionary and a symbol of individual courage against oppressive authority. At the same time, he critiques the political and religious institutions that ultimately lead to her downfall. "Saint Joan" received critical acclaim for its thought-provoking exploration of Joan's character and the social, political, and religious forces of her time. Shaw won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925, partly in recognition of this play and his other contributions to literature and drama.