In lines 35 through 91 of Act V, scene iv, of I Henry VI, William Shakespeare demonstrates the value of rhetorical speech through the character of Joan la Pucelle, also known as Joan of Arc. In this scene, the English have captured Joan and are preparing to burn her at the stake, before they do however, Joan delivers a rousing final speech in defense of herself and then curses not only the English but their country as well. This speech demonstrates Joan’s mastery of rhetoric and the rhetorical appeals of ethos, logos, and pathos.
Joan begins her speech by declaring to the English, “whom you have condemned.” She then exclaims that she is not “begotten of a shepherd’s swain, / But issued from the progeny of kings, / Virtuous and holy, chosen from above” (lines 35-39). These lines are Joan’s primary use of ethos. In denouncing her “shepherd’s swain” heritage, Joan is attempting to rise above her station and become something greater than who she was. When Joan claims that she is from “the progeny of kings” and that she was “chosen from above” she is building up her credibility by making herself an ally and enforcer of the Christian God.
As Joan continues speaking, she begins to use value-laden language that suggests her moral superiority to the English. For instance, Joan denies having “had to do with wicked spirits” and accuses the English of being “polluted with your lusts / … / Corrupt and tainted with a thousand vices.” She also declares that the English are “Stained with the guiltless blood of innocence” (42-45). These accusations and declarations constitute the heart of Joan’s appeals to emotion or pathos. Words such as “polluted” and “corrupt” have strong negative meanings and connotations and are intended to arouse feelings of guilt and remorse in English and to make the English question whether they truly have the moral high ground.
Because the English are not swayed by Joan’s divine credentials and appeals to emotion, she is forced to appeal to reason and moral sensibility. Joan exclaims, “I am with child… / Murder not then the fruit within my womb, / Although ye hale me to a violent death” (62-64). This claim demonstrates Joan’s extreme cleverness since reason and justice demand that a child not be executed for their parents’ crimes. By claiming to be pregnant, Joan is relying on English legal tradition and moral decency to buy her time to formulate an escape plan.
Unfortunately for Joan, the English either do not believe she is pregnant or do not care, and they continue with their plans to execute her. Joan then makes one last appeal to fear, saying “May never glorious sun reflex his beams / Upon the country where you make abode / But darkness and the gloomy shade of death / … / Drive you to break your necks or hang yourselves (87 – 91). Joan’s curse is particularly strong as it is directed not only at her captives but at their country as well. Even though the curse does not convince the English to abandon Joan’s execution, Joan can hope that it will at least weaken their morale.
Even though Joan’s rhetoric is unsuccessful, her speech is incredibly powerful and can be expected to have a pronounced effect on readers. By showcasing Joan’s ability to use ethos, logos, and pathos to create a rousing speech, Shakespeare demonstrates Joan’s skilled command of classical rhetoric and shows that even rhetoric that is not successful can have linguistic value.
Works Cited
Shakespeare, William. Henry VI, Part I, from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, vol I. Ed. David Bevington. Bantam Books, 1988.