Abstract
Although the relation of Voltaire’s Zaire to Corneille’s Polyeucte is never clearly declared by the Enlightenment philosopher, it is real nonetheless. A comparison between the two tragedies focusing on the issue of religion and the relationship between Christianity and tragedy, shows to what extent Voltaire thought of Corneille while writing his tragedy and to what extent he wanted to write an anti-Polyeucte. Both tragedies are based on the religion shock but while Christianity is glorified by Corneille, it is put in doubt by Voltaire. Considering how the latter twists some essential aspects of Christianity and in particular, through the touching character of Zaire, his impressive criticism of a religion which causes misfortune to humanity, one could even say that Zaire is an anti-Christian piece.
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