The Journey from Normandy to Paris

The Last Duel

Jean’s repeated journeys connect local hardship to central authority, as he carries personal grievances from a provincial court to the royal capital.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Road to Argentan The Road to Argentan from "The Last Duel". The Road to Argentan A return to the count Jean visits Count Pierre after returning from Scotland, despite illness and financial strain.

The Road to Argentan from "The Last Duel". The Road to Argentan A return to the count Jean visits Count Pierre after returning from Scotland, despite illness and financial strain.

The Road to Argentan A return to the count Jean visits Count Pierre after returning from Scotland, despite illness and financial strain. The stop is required by his obligations as a vassal. Old wounds reopen At court, Jean encounters Le Gris and other courtiers. Their meeting may revive earlier resentments just before Le Gris learns that Marguerite is nearby.

Paris as a Remedy Paris as a Remedy from "The Last Duel". Paris as a Remedy Seeking unpaid wages Jean continues toward Paris to collect money owed for military service and to seek royal patronage.

Paris as a Remedy from "The Last Duel". Paris as a Remedy Seeking unpaid wages Jean continues toward Paris to collect money owed for military service and to seek royal patronage.

Paris as a Remedy Seeking unpaid wages Jean continues toward Paris to collect money owed for military service and to seek royal patronage. His weak finances make the journey urgent. Marguerite left behind He leaves her at Capomesnil and instructs a maidservant to stay with her. The command shows his concern, but the arrangement will fail on the crucial day.

The First Royal Petition The First Royal Petition from "The Last Duel". The First Royal Petition An appeal beyond Normandy Jean brings the dispute from Count Pierre’s authority to Charles VI.

The First Royal Petition from "The Last Duel". The First Royal Petition An appeal beyond Normandy Jean brings the dispute from Count Pierre’s authority to Charles VI.

The First Royal Petition An appeal beyond Normandy Jean brings the dispute from Count Pierre’s authority to Charles VI. He uses the formal right of appeal available to a vassal who believes his lord gave an unjust judgment. Higher stakes The petition exposes Jean to royal scrutiny and intensifies the conflict with his lord. It also opens a path toward the Parlement’s inquiry.

A Return for the Challenge A Return for the Challenge from "The Last Duel". A Return for the Challenge Facing the accused Jean meets Le Gris before the king and the assembled Parlement.

A Return for the Challenge from "The Last Duel". A Return for the Challenge Facing the accused Jean meets Le Gris before the king and the assembled Parlement.

A Return for the Challenge Facing the accused Jean meets Le Gris before the king and the assembled Parlement. He names the alleged crime and offers to prove the charge by combat. Procedure takes over The court orders written statements instead of immediate battle. Jean’s personal accusation becomes an extended legal process involving witnesses, pledges, and royal officials.

The Final Road to the Field

The Final Road to the Field From lodgings to Saint-Martin Jean and Le Gris travel from separate Paris lodgings to the field at the priory. Their months of legal maneuvering culminate in a public confrontation. A journey without return Jean leaves the field alive and Le Gris does not. The movement through the city marks the conversion of a legal appeal into a fatal verdict.

Early January 1386

Spring 1386

9 July 1386

29 December 1386