The Portrayal of Women in Selected Contes of Voltaire

Abstract

<p>Women in the eighteenth-century were faced with a systematic denial of their most basic human rights. This was accomplished through the institutions of the time. These same institutions were the objects of the criticism of the philosophes. Voltaire is commonly recognized as the father of the Enlightenment and it is, therefore, important to determine his attitude towards women as reflected in the genre for which he is best known, the conte.</p> <p>This thesis deals with Voltaire's depiction of women on three levels. The first chapter situates women in their social environment as portrayed by Voltaire and his depiction's philosophical implications. The second chapter deals with the female characters' mental and emotional reactions to their status. The third chapter deals with Voltaire's portrayal of women's bodies and its significance to his philosophy. A complete vision of women as portrayed by Voltaire is provided, along with the implications of his depiction of women.</p>