Shaw’s Notion of Heresy and Importance of Freethinkers in Modern Society Anonymous College

Bernard Shaw's play St. Joan (1923) tackles with the intricate character of Joan of Arc depicting her distinct traits that comprise of nationalism, individualism, and feminism. In the play, Shaw displays his understanding of the trial of Joan of Arc and his notions on the act of heresy. Saint Joan of Arc serves as a symbol of free thinking in the modern world as she defied societal norms and standards. Shaw depicts her as a martyr who has faith in God and believes in self-expression and having different opinions that contradict the religious doctrines. St. Joan is depicted as having extreme nationalism through her willingness to command an army and challenge their adversaries. Joan expresses feminism by bending the gender restriction by wearing men attire and leading an army to the belief that she will succeed in the endeavor. Shaw identifies her as a pioneer of revolution and change as her notions led to Protestantism. Joan of Arc notion of free thinking led her to heresy, defying the religious norms and glorifying individualism which led to her prosecution and execution. Her martyrdom has inspired a society that expresses free thinking and supports freedom of conscience. Shaw’s account of medieval France shows that modern...