Voltaire

Definition

Voltaire was a French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher known for his wit, advocacy of civil liberties, and criticism of established religion and government. He played a significant role in the development of Enlightenment literature through his satirical works, which challenged societal norms and emphasized reason, freedom of expression, and the importance of questioning authority.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Voltaire was born François-Marie Arouet in 1694 and adopted the pen name 'Voltaire' around 1718.
2. He was a prolific writer, producing works across genres including plays, poetry, essays, and historical writings, with a focus on advocating for freedom of speech and religion.
3. Voltaire's criticism of organized religion led to conflicts with authorities, resulting in multiple imprisonments and exiles throughout his life.
4. His famous phrase 'Écrasez l'infâme' ('Crush the infamous thing') reflects his stance against fanaticism and intolerance.
5. Voltaire's influence extended beyond literature; he contributed to the ideas that fueled the French Revolution and inspired later thinkers in political philosophy.

Review Questions

• How did Voltaire's life experiences influence his writing style and themes in Enlightenment literature?
  • Voltaire's experiences with censorship, imprisonment, and exile profoundly shaped his writing style and themes. His encounters with authority led him to embrace satire as a tool to critique society and advocate for civil liberties. This is evident in his works like 'Candide', where he employed humor to expose the absurdities of optimism and societal norms. By intertwining personal experiences with sharp wit, Voltaire effectively communicated Enlightenment ideals about reason and individual rights.
• Analyze how Voltaire's use of satire reflects the characteristics of Enlightenment literature.
  • Voltaire's use of satire embodies key characteristics of Enlightenment literature by questioning traditional authority, promoting rational thought, and advocating for social reform. His works often targeted dogmatic beliefs and highlighted the need for critical thinking in understanding human existence. Through sharp irony and humor, such as in 'Candide', he encouraged readers to challenge societal norms and injustices while underscoring the importance of individual freedoms. This approach significantly influenced both literary forms and philosophical discourse during the Enlightenment.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Voltaire's works on contemporary thought and literature.
  • Voltaire's works have left an enduring legacy on contemporary thought and literature by championing freedom of expression, rational inquiry, and skepticism towards authority. His critiques of organized religion and advocacy for civil liberties paved the way for modern secularism and human rights movements. Moreover, his literary style has influenced countless writers who employ satire to address social issues. The principles he promoted resonate today as they continue to inspire debates around freedom of speech, tolerance, and the role of government in individual lives.

Related terms

Candide:

A satirical novella by Voltaire that critiques optimism and explores the absurdity of human existence through the misadventures of its protagonist.

Philosophical Dictionary: A work by Voltaire that provides a series of articles on various topics including religion, philosophy, and politics, emphasizing rational thought and skepticism.

Satire: A literary technique used to criticize or mock societal norms, institutions, or individuals, often through humor and exaggeration, prominently used by Voltaire.