Shakespeare vs. Voltaire

Attribute	Shakespeare	Voltaire
Birthplace	Stratford-upon-Avon, England	Paris, France
Birth Year	1564	1694
Genre	Drama, Tragedy, Comedy	Philosophy, Satire
Notable Works	Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth	Candide, Zadig, Letters Concerning the English Nation
Language	English	French

Background

William Shakespeare and Voltaire are two of the most renowned literary figures in history. Shakespeare, an English playwright and poet, is often considered the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. Voltaire, a French Enlightenment writer and philosopher, is known for his wit, satire, and advocacy of freedom of speech and religion. Despite being from different time periods and countries, both Shakespeare and Voltaire have left a lasting impact on literature and culture.

Writing Style

Shakespeare's writing style is characterized by his use of poetic language, complex characters, and intricate plots. His plays often feature themes of love, power, betrayal, and tragedy. Shakespeare's use of iambic pentameter and blank verse gives his works a lyrical quality that has captivated audiences for centuries. In contrast, Voltaire's writing style is more straightforward and satirical. He is known for his sharp wit and criticism of authority figures and institutions. Voltaire's writing is often characterized by its clarity, humor, and biting social commentary.

Themes

Both Shakespeare and Voltaire explore a wide range of themes in their works. Shakespeare's plays often delve into themes of love, jealousy, ambition, and the human condition. His tragedies, such as "Hamlet" and "Macbeth," explore the consequences of unchecked ambition and the complexities of human nature. Voltaire, on the other hand, focuses on themes of reason, tolerance, and freedom. His works, such as "Candide" and "Letters Concerning the English Nation," criticize religious intolerance, superstition, and injustice.

Characters

Shakespeare and Voltaire are both known for creating memorable and complex characters. Shakespeare's characters, such as Hamlet, Lady Macbeth, and Romeo, are often seen as archetypes of human behavior. His characters are multi-dimensional and often struggle with internal conflicts and moral dilemmas. Voltaire's characters, on the other hand, are often satirical and exaggerated. Characters like Candide and Pangloss in "Candide" are used to criticize societal norms and beliefs.

Influence

Shakespeare's influence on literature and culture cannot be overstated. His works have been translated into every major language and are performed around the world. Shakespeare's plays have inspired countless adaptations, from films to ballets to operas. Voltaire's influence, while not as widespread as Shakespeare's, is still significant. His advocacy for freedom of speech and religion has had a lasting impact on political and social thought. Voltaire's works continue to be studied and admired for their wit and insight.

Legacy

Shakespeare and Voltaire both left behind a rich legacy that continues to shape literature and culture today. Shakespeare's plays are still performed and studied in schools and theaters worldwide. His words have become part of the English language, with phrases like "to be or not to be" and "all the world's a stage" still in common usage. Voltaire's ideas on freedom of speech and religion continue to be relevant in today's society, where debates over censorship and religious tolerance are ongoing. Both Shakespeare and Voltaire are considered literary giants whose works will continue to be read and studied for generations to come.