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Louis Sebastian Mercier's 'le tableau de paris'...

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Louis-Sébastien Mercier - Le Tableau de Paris Lecture 1 Read ‘The Open Work’ by Umberto Eco Olympe de Gouges: Declaration des droits de la femme et de la citoyenne Voltaire: Candide. Overview of 18th century ● Gradual decline of the french monarchy from Louis XIV onwards. ○ Dies, leaving few heirs, only his great-grandson (Louis XV) ○ Regent instead: Philippe d’Orléans, who brings back rule to Paris from Versailles. ○ Cardinal de Fleury in power as Prime Minister, France grows restless due to poor management. ○ Lots of overseas territories lost during the 7 years war 1756-1763 ○ France loses much power but remains the cultural hub of the period. ○ Marriage of Marie Antionette and Louis brings renewed hope for the monarchy.

The Enlightenment: le siècle des lumières ● Mercier seems sometimes to be an objective, emotionless writer, then at other times he is full of passion. ○ Takes it upon himself to describe Paris, his vision. Very subjective, overarching author who determines how we consider the city, however this is not the case as he invites the reader to critique and bring their own judgement on his work. ● Kant: ‘enlightenment is man’s emergence from his self-incurred immaturity’ (the ability to use one’s understanding without the guidance of another, having courage to use one’s own ideas). All have the capacity to be enlightened. ● Philosophes: ‘un homme qui agit en tout par raison’ - l'encyclopédie. ○ Can a woman write? Can someone write through madness? ○ Key figures: Fontenelle, Montesquieu, Emilie Du Châtelet. (she translated Newton’s work into french, Voltaire’s lover, praised scientist). D’Alembert, Condorcet, Sade.

● Jean Calas: protestant living in Toulouse, son found dead. Law court accused him of murdering him out of fear that he would convert to Catholicism. 1762, he was executed by breaking on the wheel. ○ Period of religious fanaticism, not just enlightenment. ○ Voltaire takes on the case and has Calas posthumously pardoned. ● Salonnières: women that would come together in salons to discuss intellectual ideas of the time. ● The way in which the ideas were circulated: not just new thought but new spirit. Public discussion, interest in the coffee house, theatre, newspapers: everyone has the right to speak their voice. Irrespective of social hierarchy or religion. NOt all ideals reached, but it was nonetheless a turning point in history, campaign to get rid of them. Mercier ● Born 1740 in Paris. Son of a swordsmith, comfortable but not wealthy background. ● Very influential in drama in the 18th century. Helped shift drama to a more moralistic and realistic style. ● Writing about himself: a reforming writer. Extra information ● Tableau de Paris published in 8 volumes. ● Use Gallica ● Lexilogos: lots of dictionaries, including 18th century ones....