The Role of Satire in 17th Century French Literature

This book explores the role of satire in 17th-century French literature, examining how it became a powerful tool for social, political, and moral critique. Set against the backdrop of the reign of Louis XIV and the consolidation of absolute monarchy, the work delves into the satirical works of prominent authors such as Molière, La Rochefoucauld, and La Fontaine, analyzing their incisive commentary on the aristocracy, the clergy, and the monarchical system. Through a close reading of their plays, aphorisms, and fables, the book highlights how satire was used to expose the contradictions, hypocrisies, and moral failings of the time. It also examines the intellectual context in which these writers operated, drawing connections between their critiques and the broader philosophical currents of the period, including the rise of rationalism and the early stirrings of the Enlightenment. By focusing on the ways in which satire engaged with the changing political and social landscape of 17th-century France, this book demonstrates how these works not only entertained but also shaped public discourse, influencing the intellectual climate of the Enlightenment and continuing to resonate in modern literature and political thought.