Voltaire

1694 - 1778

the greatest 18th century French author and thinker, noted for his wit, satire and critical capacity

Voltaire, pseudonym of Francois-Marie Arouet, was born in Paris of middle-class parents. He studied law but abandoned it to become a writer. His name is associated with the classical tragedies and he wrote for the theatre until the end of his life. In 1717 he was imprisoned in Bastille for a year and in 1727 was driven into exile in England. There, he developed and deepened his philosophical interests. He returned to France in 1728 and continued to write plays and stories. In 1734 he published Lettres philosophiques (Philosophical Letters), in which he spoke against established religious and philosophical systems. He then had to escape from Paris and settled at Cirey in Chamapagne. He began study of religions and culture. He also travelled to Germany and Switzerland to die in Paris. He took great interest in any cases of injustice, especially religious ones.

In 18th century he was regarded as the greatest French poet; the prince of poets. The basis for his poetics was classic French poetry but he was also familiar with Italian, Spanish and English poetry. He was a master of a political, social and philosophical satire. The best example is Zadig. Voltaire believed that people are ignorants governed by money, business and politics. He was also the master of an epic. His Le Henriade was to be great national epic. Voltaire is regarded as the great poet who was the master of genres using them to present moral, philosophical, political and social ideas.



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