The intellectual movement of the Enlightenment developed a rational and scientific approach to religious, social, political, and economic issues. The major representatives of this philosophy tried to discover valid principles governing humanity, nature, and society. They attacked spiritual and scientific authority, dogmatism, intolerance and censorship. One of the most prominent Enlightenment philosophers was François-Marie Arouet, better known by the pen-name Voltaire.
This essay tries to point out how representative Voltaire’s L’Ingénu is on the Enlightenment.
Therefore, in examining three major concepts of the Enlightenment that are found in the novel, the investigation first focuses on the representation of the idea of freedom, then on the novel’s criticism on Christianity and, finally, on Voltaire’s elaboration on the concept of Nature in connection with the civilized society.
II. The Concept of Freedom
The Enlightenment was a constant fight for personal liberty, legal equality and the freedom of thought and expression. Voltaire has found his ideal of freedom by observing political life in his time and by comparing the different forms of government existing in theory. In the Europe of those days he thought this ideal to be realized best in the English constitution, as it provided a concrete protection for every citizen’s possessions and personal security. Being successful in transferring the ideas of freedom he has experienced in the English society to France, Voltaire has greatly influenced the French Enlightenment movement. The appraisal of the English society also found its way into his novel L’Ingénu. After having arrived at the French coast, the protagonist L’Ingénu, a Huron, meets the Abbé de Kerkabon and his sister Mademoiselle de Kerkabon, who are soon determined to baptize the young man. L’Ingé is astonished and annoyed by this attempt to influence his believes and simply tells his hosts, that “in England everyone was allowed to live as he liked” and that he would leave the following day. At another occasion, when L’Ingénu is unjustly thrown into prison, he exclaims: “Are there no laws in this country, that men are condemned without a hearing? It’s not like that in England.”
The concept of freedom is mentioned in many ways throughout the novel, for example by the unjust imprisonment of L’Ingénu and Gordon, or, when L’Ingénu’s love St Yves lies on her deathbed telling her lover: “I die with the consolation of knowing you
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. The Concept of Freedom
III. The Criticism on Christianity
IV. The Concept of Nature and the Civilized Society
V. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This essay aims to analyze how Voltaire's novel "L'Ingénu" serves as a representative work of the Enlightenment by examining three central concepts: the idea of personal freedom, the critique of organized Christianity, and the philosophical understanding of Nature in relation to civilized society.
- The Enlightenment's influence on Voltaire's philosophical framework.
- Political and personal liberty as depicted through the protagonist's journey.
- Satirical representations of church corruption and religious dogma.
- The evolution of the "Child of Nature" into an enlightened individual.
- The dichotomy between natural instinct and the constraints of modern society.
Excerpt from the Book
IV. The Concept of Nature and the Civilized Society
One of the most influential subjects on the Enlightenment was the question for men’s place in the world. Or, as the scholar Roy Porter points out: “[t]he key Enlightenment concept was Nature”18. In the centre of the reflections about the principle of Nature stood the human being that was thought to be provided with certain natural and basic characteristics, and capable of a development of its mind and intellect through its lifetime.19 In his novel L’Ingénu, Voltaire presents a young man as the protagonist that is, coming from the tribe of the Hurons, untouched by modern society as he gets the chance for a voyage to Europe. To the surprise of the people he meets at his arrival in France, this “savage” shows an excellent behaviour and outstanding manners. Though he seems to be of certain “simplicity”20, his speeches and actions characterize him as “a sensible fellow”21. He is granted a “natural commonsense” and a judgement undisturbed by prejudices (“he listens only to the voice of nature”)22. Voltaire, like all the philosophers of the Enlightenment, believed in the sensible and moral judgment common to all mankind.23 The young man, L’Ingénu, in Voltaire’s story furthermore bears an “excellent memory”. The narrator points out, that as L’Ingénu “had not had his head stuffed in childhood with the trivialities and stupidities which overburden ours, his understanding was lively and fresh, and everything he learned entered an unclouded brain.”24 In this way, L’Ingénu, called “The Child of Nature”, seems to be a symbol for the pure nature of humankind, uncorrupted by the views and prejudices of modern society.
Summary of Chapters
I. Introduction: This chapter outlines the intellectual context of the Enlightenment and defines the investigation's focus on three core themes within Voltaire's novel.
II. The Concept of Freedom: This section explores how the struggle for liberty and the rule of law are mirrored in the novel, contrasting the protagonist's experiences with the political climate of the time.
III. The Criticism on Christianity: This chapter analyzes Voltaire’s satirical approach to church institutions, specifically focusing on the perceived hypocrisy of its representatives and biblical contradictions.
IV. The Concept of Nature and the Civilized Society: This chapter examines the portrayal of the protagonist as an uncorrupted "Child of Nature" and his intellectual development through the acquisition of knowledge.
V. Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the main findings, asserting that the novel remains a significant representation of Enlightenment philosophy.
Keywords
Enlightenment, Voltaire, L'Ingénu, Freedom, Nature, Christianity, Church Criticism, Satire, Human Reason, Civilized Society, Personal Liberty, Intellectual Development, Philosophical Movement, Social Prejudices, Universal Civilization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
This work examines the connection between Voltaire's novel "L'Ingénu" and the fundamental philosophical tenets of the Enlightenment movement.
What are the central thematic areas discussed?
The core themes include the concept of personal and political freedom, the criticism of religious institutions, and the role of "Nature" in a civilized society.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to demonstrate how "L'Ingénu" serves as a representative literary vehicle for Enlightenment ideals.
Which scientific or analytical method is applied?
The essay utilizes literary analysis combined with historical context to interpret the text through the lens of established Enlightenment philosophy.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body investigates the protagonist’s view on liberty, the satire directed at church officials and dogmas, and the philosophical growth of the "Child of Nature."
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include Enlightenment, Voltaire, L'Ingénu, Nature, Liberty, and Religious Critique.
How does the author define the "Child of Nature" in the context of the novel?
The "Child of Nature" represents a human being uncorrupted by modern society, possessing an unclouded, fresh understanding and innate moral judgment.
Why does the novel portray the protagonist’s imprisonment as a transformative experience?
Imprisonment allows the protagonist to acquire significant knowledge through study, ultimately transitioning him from a "brute" to an enlightened man.
- Quote paper
- Oliver Christl (Author), 2005, How representative is Voltaires L'Ingenu on the Enlightenment?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/131982
