(++) Le fanatisme; ou, Mahomet le prophete (Mahomet the Prophet / 1741 Voltaire), play
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Le fanatisme; ou, Mahomet le prophete <French> / Fanaticism; or, Muhammad the Prophet (1741) is a play by Voltaire.
Abstract
Tragedy in 5 acts.
Highly influential fictional work was meant to be a criticism of any form of religious fanaticism (including Christian, which could not be attacked directly). Voltaire exploited and propagated the popular prejudices against Islam, which were then current in Europe. In some essays, however, Voltaire offered a more nuanced and balanced view of Muhammad.
Editions, performances, translations
Written around 1736, premiered in Lille [France]: 25 April 1741; and Paris [France]: Comédie Française, 9 August 1742.
Published in Brussels: 1742.