New Era English School

New Era English School

STD X

1.5 JOAN OF ARC

-George Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw [1856-1950] was an Irish playwright, critic, wrote more than sixty plays such as ‘Man &
Superman (1902) Pygmalion (1912) & Saint Joan (1923).He was the leading dramatist of his time. He was awarded
the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925.

‘Joan of Arc’ is a play narrating the story of the courageous & undying spirit of a girl Joan. It outline Joan’s bold
attempt to convenience Caption Robert to allow her to fight the Englishmen. Throughout the play, we came across
Joan’s qualities that make her stand out from the ordinary solider, brave & blunt, Joan’s story makes for a good read
as she is, what we can call ,one of the earlies example of women empowerment.

Summary-

Joan of Arc, a peasant girl born in eastern France was immortalized in history for her role in leading the French Army
to several victories in 100 years war. She had immense confidence and faith in her purpose which was reflected in her
approach. She was accurate in her planning. Her courage was commendable as she planned to meet the venture with
only three soldiers, a horse and armour. Her optimism is exemplary (a typical example) as she is determined to free
Orleans from the Britishers.

When Captain Robert points out to her, the formidable nature of British troops, the violence and brutality exhibited by
them, Joan confidently proclaims that she will teach the French Army to fight for their country instead of their self -
defence. Her patriotism is overwhelming. She also has great faith in Almighty as she believes that nothing is difficult
if God defends and supports a justifiable cause. Joan standouts to be an epitome of courage, confidence,
determination, optimism, & patriotism in the story.

Names of the characters-

1) Robert

2) Joan

3) Ponlengey

4) Steward

o Question I -

Read the following passage and do the following activities-

A1. Fill in the blanks

1) The ______________ is called a ‘blockhead’ by the squire.

2) The squire’s name is __________________.

3) The price of a horse is ___________________.

4) The ________________ dauphin will give the girl whatever she needs to free Orleans.

(Read the passage in the text book page no. 29 & 30

The war fought between England and………………………………

……………………………………………………………………….. I need to free Orleans)

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A.2 State whether the statements are true or false

1. Steward is not afraid of Captain Robert.

2. The girl is confident that Captain Robert will not put her under lock and key.

3. The girl will save money for the horse by wearing a soldier’s armour.

4. The mission is to attack Orleans.

A.3 Grammar Questions

1. Are they afraid of her? (Make assertive)

2. She really doesn’t seem to be afraid of anything (Remove negative)

3. She speaks confidently. (Rewrite using noun from the underlined word)

4. Why didn’t you tell me so? (End with- by you)

A.4 Personal Response Questions

1. What kind of person is Captain Robert according to you?

o Question II-

Read the following passage and do the given activities

A.1 Complete the following web

Name 4
persons who
Joan needed to
free Orleans

o Refer the page number 30 & 31

A.2 Complete the following:

1) The squire wants the steward to ________________________________________________.

2) Joan wanted the squire to send _________________________________________________.

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A.3 Give the meaning & use the following phrases in sentences of your own:

1) to be out of one’s mind.

2) to keep an eye on someone.

A.4 Do as directed:

1) I have arranged it all (Rewrite using modal auxiliary of conjecture)

2) Get out and wait in the yard. (Add a question tag)

A.5 How important is it for a soldier to stay courageous in the face of a challenging situation? Elaborate.

o Question III-
Grammar based on the entire lesson-

Do as Directed-
1) You’re as mad as she is. (Rewrite using ‘than’)
2) Let’s take a chance. (Add question tag)
3) Let’s take a chance. (End with- by us)
4) Let’s see what she can do. (Pick out the subordinate clause and state its kind)
5) I used
_____to think so (State what the underlined modal auxiliary expresses)
6) Use the following word as gerund in your own sentence: Chasing.
7) Spot the error and rewrite the correct sentence:
I is taking a big chance
8) I can save it on the armour (Change the voice beginning ‘It………… )
9) The Dauphin will give me all I need. (Rewrite using the future progressive tense of the verb)
10) Stay within call and keep your eye on her (Analyse the sentence)

o Question IV-
Expand the following idea into two paragraphs
- Handsome is as handsome does