The hens laying eggs (symbol)
In the first scene of the play, Robert Baudricourt is frustrated that his chickens have ceased to lay eggs. After he agrees to provide Joan with arms and a horse, the chickens begin laying again. The laying of the eggs symbolizes rebirth and renewal for the French military forces. Before Joan comes onto the scene, the French are in a state of stagnation. They are losing more and more territory, and they lack leadership because of the Dauphin's precarious position. The lack of eggs symbolizes potential hunger and scarcity (eggs could be a valuable food item) which threatens the French as the English overrun the country. The hens laying eggs again symbolizes the hope that Joan brings with her; the particular symbolism is linked to both Joan's humble status as a farmgirl and to her femininity. Nicole Coonradt also observes that "The egg is the traditional symbol of Easter that celebrates Christ's resurrection and triumph over death" (pg. 105), which further extends the potential symbolism.
The cross made of sticks (symbol)
As Joan is being burnt alive, an English soldier makes a simple cross out of sticks and hands it to her. The cross symbolizes compassion and universal humanity. Although the English should be considered Joan's enemies and she has fought to drive them out of her country, an English soldier still wants to offer her a small amount of comfort in her final moments. In a play with much debate about what makes nations different from one another, this gesture symbolizes the idea that people have a shared bond that transcends language, religion, and national loyalty.
Bluebeard's beard (symbol)
As his nickname would suggest, Bluebeard has a carefully styled beard which he dyes. His beard symbolizes how the aristocrats at the French court care a great deal about maintaining appearances. The world of a court is a world where Joan is mocked for having short hair, and where it is hard for the Dauphin to gain respect because he dresses in shabby clothes. At a time when the fate of their country is at stake, the French nobles still think about superficial qualities, appearances, and impressing one another. The shallow and superficial world is one reason that Joan finds it hard to fit in.
Joan's armor (symbol)
A suit of armor is one of the first things Joan asks for, and she continues to wear this traditionally male attire throughout the play. Joan's armor symbolizes both her bravery and her vulnerability. Wearing armor is a reminder that Joan is actively engaging in battle, risking injury or death on the battlefield. The armor also symbolizes Joan's bravery—not just in physical risks, but also in the risks to her reputation. She is doing something shocking, but she feels compelled to follow God's plan. However, the armor further symbolizes that Joan is not the same as a man. Men only have to wear armor to protect themselves in battle, whereas Joan also needs the armor to protect herself from sexual violence.
The statues of Joan (symbol)
In the epilogue, visions appear of statues of Joan. These statues symbolize how Joan will eventually achieve fame and glory. When she is executed, the English and the Church hope that they can wipe out her memory and that she will quickly be forgotten. However, Joan's fame lives on for hundreds of years. Ironically, she is persecuted by the Church and the government during her lifetime, but after her death, she becomes praised and celebrated. The statues symbolize how it is important to know the history of celebrated figures: they may have lived very different experiences than what their reputation suggests.
