The narrative of Saint Joan unfolds amid the clash of conflicting values, where individualism and nationalism intersect with institutional power. At the heart of this drama lies a tension between the Roman Catholic Church, with its grasp on spiritual authority, and the nationalist sentiments embodied by the English and French political machinations. Joan of Arc emerges as a figure representing an individualistic defiance against these imposing structures. Her journey, while rooted in a nationalistic endeavor to liberate France from English domination, is primarily a personal crusade for spiritual autonomy, allowing her to define her faith on her own terms.

Joan's world offers little sanctuary for the ideals of love or charity. Instead, it is dominated by the pursuits of morality and patriotism, concepts often manipulated for political gain. The characters, whether religious figures or national leaders, engage in sophistry, substituting genuine conviction with strategic posturing. This is poignantly captured in the words of the Inquisitor, who professes a willingness to sacrifice himself, revealing the complex interplay of belief and power.

George Bernard Shaw portrays Joan as the quintessential Protestant hero, a figure both awe-inspiring and tragic. Her prowess as a military strategist is undeniable, yet her alignment with nationalist causes diverges from Shaw’s philosophy, which remains skeptical of the moral integrity of both church and state. Shaw's depiction of Joan suggests that neither institution can claim ethical superiority, reflecting his broader critique of societal structures.

Shaw's work, while firmly rooted in historical events, transcends its medieval setting to offer a broader commentary on the nature of power and human progress. Through Joan’s narrative, Shaw explores the concept of a "life force" propelling humanity towards a higher state of consciousness, suggestive of a potential for transcendence beyond the confines of historical and political limitations. This vision, although optimistic, acknowledges the formidable challenges posed by entrenched powers seeking to suppress transformative individuals who disrupt the status quo.

The play highlights the world's frequent difficulty in embracing extraordinary figures like Joan. Despite her incredible accomplishments—such as triumphing at the Battle of Orléans, inspiring the French forces, and motivating Charles to claim his crown—she encounters hostility from those she helps and is eventually branded a heretic for challenging the Church's supreme authority. Her mystical connection with the saints in Heaven, which might be considered admirable, instead leads to her execution. Ironically, after her death, she is revered, yet people shrink in fear at the thought of her coming back to life, much like how her followers deserted her when she proposed going beyond traditional boundaries. The story suggests that society may temporarily accept exceptional people, but ultimately seeks to remove them, only to later honor them once they are no longer perceived as a threat.

The play poses difficult questions about finding the right balance between individualism and authority. Joan embodies the ultimate individualist, challenging the powers that be by adhering to her own beliefs. Her captivating presence in the play makes it hard not to root for her, which naturally inclines the audience toward a rebellious, individualistic way of thinking. In his Preface, Shaw states that individual geniuses have superior insight and are of a higher quality than organizational leaders. However, he also connects individualism with selfishness and irresponsibility, drawing comparisons to characters from William Shakespeare. In Scene IV of the play, Bishop Cauchon warns that Joan’s principle of personal judgment might allow "every ignorant laborer or dairymaid" to surpass "The Church’s accumulated wisdom and knowledge and experience, its councils of learned, venerable pious men." This implies that individual judgment is worthy of respect only when it comes...