1. Show how the medieval Church is portrayed as an inflexible patriarchal hierarchical system in the film?
The medieval Church is depicted as an inflexible patriarchal hierarchical system both in direct and abstract ways. The first example I noticed came in the initial interaction with Sir Robert. This knight doubts the legitimacy of Joan’s prophecy and miracles, so he orders the priest at his side to, “do what he does” and exorcise Joan to determine if she is possessed by demons. This priest, who by Sir Robert’s acclamation and by his own role as an exorcist is considered an expert and professional on the matter, is eager to jump at a chance to disprove Joan as no more than a witch or a sorceress. This is done despite the fact that this professional makes no note of any outward sign of possession. After the exorcism, in which it is determined that Joan is good by her approach to the priest, she even tells him that “You heard my confession just yesterday. This is absurd.” This can represent the priest’s symbolic representation of the church and its attempts to quell any uprising by a female as it pertains to religion. This can also represent the priest as an extension of Sir Robert’s will, and Sir Robert’s will ultimately indicative of a male society uneager to accept women and continue patriarchal control. With a simple order Sir Robert is able to question Joan’s legitimacy. Another example of the church’s attempt to reinforce a patriarchal system comes after Joan wins the favor of the Prince. Excuse the spelling, but she is taken to the town of Portiae, the center of intelligence and judicial practice. While Joan is there she is kept in a single inn for three weeks while priest and Theologians question and cross-examine her. Joan passes through their attempts to wear her down, but even when she succeeds she still fits a mostly male description of what qualifies