"The Dauphin is at Chinon, like a rat in the corner" (Simile) (pg. 66)
Poulengy uses this simile at the start of the play, describing why France is in a precarious position and needs Joan's help. The simile makes an unflattering comparison between the Dauphin and a timid, unattractive animal. The simile shows that the Dauphin is not respected by the noblemen of France and is not showing leadership. Rather than being compared to a more brave or aggressive animal, he is compared to a rat, which can only try to avoid danger and cannot fight back.
"I am like a man with two wives" (Simile) (pg. 92)
Dunois uses this simile to describe how he secretly enjoys the adventure of war. Dunois understands that war is dangerous and difficult, and a part of him wants it to end. At the same time, he is a good soldier, so he enjoys the stimulation and the chance to show off his skills. Dunois's simile describes his feelings of ambivalence, conflict, and guilt. A man in love with two women might feel guilty because he knows he is doing something wrong, but he also cannot bring himself to stop. Likewise, Dunois cannot help taking some pleasure in warfare.
"An Arab camel driver drove Christ and His Church out of Jerusalem and ravaged his way west like a wild beast" (pg. 103) (Simile)
Cauchon uses this simile as he rants furiously about the rise of the Islamic religion. He speaks contemptuously about the Prophet Mohammed, comparing him to "a wild beast." This comparison shows that Cauchon sees people of other faiths and ethnicities as less than human: he literally compares them to savage animals. The simile also shows the danger Cauchon sees in anyone who might undermine the established power of the Church. A wild beast could kill and maim, and Cauchon sees people who might lead others away from the established religion as equally dangerous.
"I would not stay to mind his sheep while France was bleeding to death" (pg. 119) (Metaphor)
Joan uses this metaphor to describe why she felt she had to intervene in the war effort. Her father wanted her to stay home and support the family farm, but Joan knew how much suffering the war was causing. Joan uses a metaphor that personifies France, comparing the country to an individual bleeding to death. The metaphor shows that Joan knows the war is having a serious and damaging impact, and it highlights the urgency she feels. The metaphor is also powerful because bleeding to death is a slower process, comparing the cumulative impact of decades of warfare to slowly and painfully dying due to one's wounds.
"The pit is open at her feet" (Metaphor) (pg. 120)
The Archbishop uses this metaphor to describe the danger Joan is in when she insists on continuing to fight after the coronation. Everyone has told her that she will be in serious danger if she continues to fight the English and that they will not be able to help her if she is captured by the enemies. The metaphor of a pit highlights the precarious danger Joan is in. If she falls into the pit, no one will be able to pull her out, since her allies have stated their limits. The metaphor also shows that the Archbishop sees Joan's fate as lying in her own hands. If she chooses to be careful, she can avoid the pit, but if she is reckless, she is going to fall into it.
