The Age Of Enlightenment By Voltaire - 1572 Words

1. Do some research on Voltaire and his beliefs as well as the era in which he wrote, which was the Age of Enlightenment. Be sure to cite your sources of information. The Age of Enlightenment occurred from the 1620s until the 1780s. This movement began in England, and steadily spread almost worldwide before long. The term Enlightenment was used to contrast the Dark Ages, a time in which innovation and free-thinking was at an all-time low. Voltaire’s French philosophy included free-thinking and the struggle for defense of civil liberties, in which he uses almost every known literary form, including novels, poetry, and performance art such as plays. His intellectual skepticism of traditional beliefs and dogmas denotes an â€Å"illumined† contrast to the supposed dark and superstitious character of the Middle Ages. http://www.pbs.org/faithandreason/gengloss/enlight-body.html 2. Satire is a literary genre in which human vices, folly, and flaws are ridiculed or mocked, often with the intention bringing about change. How do Voltaire use techniques such as irony, sarcasm, and understatement for his satirical purposes? Give some examples from throughout the book. Voltaire uses irony and satire in many different situations during the story. A prime example of these literary forms can be found in the form of religion, for example when the Catholic Inquisitor speaks against his own ideals and keeps a mistress, and a Franciscan friar who operates as a jewel thief, even thoughShow MoreRelatedVoltaire s Theory Of The Age Of Enlightenment848 Words   |  4 Pagescommonly known as Voltaire was born November 21, 1699, in Paris, France. He was a French philosopher, historian and writer of the Age of Enlightenment. He valued the right to have your own thoughts as well as the ability to change religion. Even though he was a complex person, he was highly intelligent, humorous and his writing style made him one of France s greatest writers and philosophers. He supported social reform, including freedom of religion, civil rights and free trade. Voltaire had a rough relationshipRead MoreThe Age Of Enlightenment By Voltaire And Economist Adam Smith844 Words   |  4 Pages The Age of Enlightenment brought forth some of history’s greatest philosophers who introduced and provided the arguments for contemporary thought and social systems in continued use today. Although historians consider the ideas of natural rights and separation of powers in democracies of the highest order of importance, the economic theories developed by the leading thinkers of the era pervade daily life in all societies. 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This new idea helpedRead MoreCandide Essay example579 Words   |  3 PagesCandide Candide, written by Voltaire during the 18th century is a celebrated novel known for its strong criticism of the Middle Ages and Enlightenment expressed by Voltaire. During the transformation from the Middle Ages to The Enlightenment, social, religious and political ideas were rejected and emphasis was placed on rationalism. Three examples of this notion that are expressed in Candide are as follows. Social conduct that was normally practiced during the 18th century was thrown out ofRead MoreReligion, Politics and Morals in Voltaire’s Candide1300 Words   |  6 Pages â€Å"Religion, Politics and Morals† How did Voltaire exploit the pre-modern era through mockery and criticism of 18th century society? Voltaire’s Candide can be understood in several ways by its audience. 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