Voltaire

Definition

Voltaire was a French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher known for his wit, advocacy for civil liberties, and criticism of religious dogma and intolerance. His works laid the groundwork for modern secular thought and influenced neoclassical tragedy through their emphasis on reason, moral integrity, and the questioning of authority.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Voltaire's real name was François-Marie Arouet, and he adopted the pen name 'Voltaire' to publish his works and critiques.
2. He wrote more than 20,000 letters and over 2,000 works, including plays, poems, essays, and historical texts, many of which contained neoclassical elements.
3. Voltaire's most famous work is 'Candide,' which satirizes optimism and critiques philosophical ideas that ignore human suffering.
4. His beliefs in freedom of speech and separation of church and state were revolutionary at the time and shaped modern democratic ideals.
5. Voltaire's conflicts with the government and the Church led him to be imprisoned and exiled multiple times, reflecting his commitment to advocating for civil liberties.

Review Questions

• How did Voltaire's views on civil liberties influence the themes found in neoclassical tragedy?
  • Voltaire's advocacy for civil liberties and rational thought greatly impacted neoclassical tragedy by emphasizing moral integrity and personal responsibility. His criticisms of authoritarianism and religious dogma resonated with playwrights who sought to reflect human experiences through rationality and ethics. This connection encouraged writers to explore themes such as justice, reason, and the consequences of tyranny within their tragic narratives.
• In what ways did Voltaire utilize satire in his works to comment on society's issues during the Enlightenment?
  • Voltaire expertly employed satire as a tool to critique societal issues such as religious intolerance, government corruption, and philosophical optimism. By using humor and irony in works like 'Candide,' he exposed the absurdity of blindly accepting societal norms or beliefs. This approach not only entertained readers but also provoked critical thinking about their own society's flaws and encouraged a more rational perspective on human existence.
• Evaluate Voltaire's lasting impact on literature and philosophy in relation to the development of neoclassical tragedy.
  • Voltaire's influence extends beyond his immediate writings; he helped shape literary forms like neoclassical tragedy by promoting critical thinking and questioning established norms. His emphasis on reason over dogma inspired subsequent playwrights to create works that tackled moral dilemmas within a structured framework. Additionally, his commitment to individual rights paved the way for a more secular approach to storytelling in tragedy, allowing writers to focus on human experience rather than divine intervention.

Related terms

Enlightenment: An intellectual movement in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.

Philosophes: A group of Enlightenment thinkers who promoted reason and science as the primary sources of authority and legitimacy.

Satire: A literary technique that uses humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or society as a whole.