Literature Notes p2

Overview of Voltaire

• Life Span: Lived from 1694 to 1778, during significant historical events including the French Revolution.

• Outspoken Writing: Voltaire's fearless writing often landed him in prison, leading to bouts of exile, including time in England and returning to the border between France and Switzerland for safety.

• Freedom of Speech: Advocated for freedom of speech at a time when it was not recognized as a right; used literature to criticize corrupt institutions including the church and monarchy.

• Popularity: Despite his criticisms, he gained significant popularity among the common people, becoming wealthier than many European kings.

Key Ideas and Themes

• Critique of Authority: Voltaire's works often mocked powerful figures and institutions like the church and monarchy, similar to the attacks made by authors like Jonathan Swift.

• Influence on Democracy: Voltaire's ideas about equality and human rights resonated with American patriots like Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine, influencing the founding principles of the United States.

• Endurance of Attacks: Voltaire maintained his outspoken writings even after facing imprisonment and exile, demonstrating his commitment to ideological freedom.

Social Context

• Cultural Differences: Voltaire’s views on monarchy contrasted with the British perspective, explaining a difference in how leaders were viewed by those in societies shaped by monarchy compared to revolutionary ideals.

• Human Rights and Tolerance: Argued for social progress, rational debate, and assistance for the less fortunate, emphasizing a moral duty to alleviate suffering.

• Rejection of Atheism: Although not an atheist, Voltaire believed in Deism, viewing God as a distant creator who does not intervene in human affairs post-creation.

Works and Writings

• Candide: Voltaire’s satirical novel criticizes optimism and explores human suffering through the naïveté of its protagonist, Candide.

  • Character Traits: Candide is portrayed as innocent and gullible, often misinterpreting the intentions of those around him.

  • Philosophy of Hope: The philosophy presented through Candide's journey emphasizes the absurdity faced by people in dire situations.

• Significant Events in Candide: Sequences in the story reflect the harsh realities of war, social injustice, and exploitation, reinforcing Voltaire's views on the human condition.

Legacy

• Censorship and Safety: Voltaire's life illustrates the consequences of censorship, as his criticisms often led to serious repercussions in a pre-democratic society.

• National Icon: Upon his death, he was initially denied burial in hallowed ground due to his controversial views but later attained national hero status, symbolizing his lasting impact on French culture and philosophy.