019 - Chapter 18

Zadig, ou La Destinée, is a renowned novel penned by the French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire in 1747. Set in ancient Babylonia, it follows the adventures of Zadig, a philosopher navigating a world rife with challenges that mirror the social and political issues of Voltaires time. While the narrative is not historically precise, it delves into profound philosophical themes, portraying human existence as governed by an uncontrollable destiny. The tale explores the concepts of religious and metaphysical orthodoxy, as Voltaire boldly critiques these ideas through the transformative journey of Zadig. With masterful use of literary devices such as contradiction and juxtaposition, this work stands alongside Candide as one of Voltaires most celebrated masterpieces.