MWDS Candide
Major Work Data Sheet: Candide
Title: Candide
Author: Voltaire
Date of Publication: 1759
Genre: Satire, ‘Conte Philosophique’ (Philosophical Fiction)
Biographical information about the author: Francois-Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire, was born in 1694 in Paris, France. Though his father wanted him to become a lawyer, Voltaire long held a great passion for writing, and rather than going to law school, spent his time extensively composing poetry, essays, and historical studies. His widespread recognition as an author was established with the publication of the play “Oedipus”, a variation on the original Greek tragedy, in 1718. In 1726, after a fight with a French nobleman, Voltaire was exiled to England. There, he was exposed to a vast array of new philosophical ideas, specifically the concept of a constitutional monarchy and support for the freedoms of speech and religion, as well as the works of Shakespeare and Isaac Newton. He later returned to France, moving into a new home, Chateau de Cirey, with his wife, Emilie du Chatelet. The relationship between the two was highly intellectual, as they were both deeply intrigued by history, philosophy, and Newtonian physics. Greatly influenced by his earlier stay in England, Voltaire began to develop some of the ideas for which he is best known during this time, including his support for the separation of church and state and criticisms of both religious intolerance and certain religious practices. In 1736, Voltaire came in contact with Frederick the Great of Prussia, one of his admirers, and worked alongside him for several years in Prussia, until being exiled after a political dispute in 1752. Returning to France, Voltaire tied together his various experiences with philosophy, religion, and politics in writing his magnum opus, “Candide”, published in 1759. Having undergone a lengthy exile, Voltaire did not return to his city of origin, Paris, until 1778, shortly before his death. Voltaire’s diverse and highly
Title: Candide
Author: Voltaire
Date of Publication: 1759
Genre: Satire, ‘Conte Philosophique’ (Philosophical Fiction)
Biographical information about the author: Francois-Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire, was born in 1694 in Paris, France. Though his father wanted him to become a lawyer, Voltaire long held a great passion for writing, and rather than going to law school, spent his time extensively composing poetry, essays, and historical studies. His widespread recognition as an author was established with the publication of the play “Oedipus”, a variation on the original Greek tragedy, in 1718. In 1726, after a fight with a French nobleman, Voltaire was exiled to England. There, he was exposed to a vast array of new philosophical ideas, specifically the concept of a constitutional monarchy and support for the freedoms of speech and religion, as well as the works of Shakespeare and Isaac Newton. He later returned to France, moving into a new home, Chateau de Cirey, with his wife, Emilie du Chatelet. The relationship between the two was highly intellectual, as they were both deeply intrigued by history, philosophy, and Newtonian physics. Greatly influenced by his earlier stay in England, Voltaire began to develop some of the ideas for which he is best known during this time, including his support for the separation of church and state and criticisms of both religious intolerance and certain religious practices. In 1736, Voltaire came in contact with Frederick the Great of Prussia, one of his admirers, and worked alongside him for several years in Prussia, until being exiled after a political dispute in 1752. Returning to France, Voltaire tied together his various experiences with philosophy, religion, and politics in writing his magnum opus, “Candide”, published in 1759. Having undergone a lengthy exile, Voltaire did not return to his city of origin, Paris, until 1778, shortly before his death. Voltaire’s diverse and highly