Related Literary Works to Saint Joan
Historical Accounts and Chronicles
The primary historical source for Joan of Arc's story comes from the trial records and rehabilitation trial documents. Several literary works draw from these same sources:
- Chronicles of the Monk of Deschamps - Provides contemporary accounts of Joan's military campaigns
- Journal du Siège d'Orléans - Detailed documentation of the siege where Joan made her name
Shaw extensively researched these historical documents while writing Saint Joan, though he took creative liberties with dialogue and character development.
Literary Predecessors
Shakespeare's Henry VI, Part 1
Shaw's portrayal of Joan contrasts sharply with Shakespeare's earlier depiction:
"First, let me tell you whom you have condemned: Not me begotten of a shepherd swain, But issued from the progeny of kings"
- Shakespeare's Joan of Arc
Compare how Shaw's Joan emphasizes her humble origins while Shakespeare's version claims royal lineage - this shows the evolution in how Joan was perceived over time.
Mark Twain's Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc (1896)
Written three decades before Shaw's play, Twain's novel:
- Presents a more romanticized version of Joan
- Focuses on her youth and early life
- Emphasizes her piety and innocence
Contemporary Influences
Friedrich Schiller's The Maid of Orleans (1801)
Shaw's realistic approach contrasts with Schiller's romantic tragedy:
- Schiller creates a fictional love story
