Voltaire's binary masterpiece "L'ingénu" reconsidered

Long considered unsatisfactory aesthetically and uncertain thematically, Voltaire's L'Ingénu emerges from this study of its structure, style and themes as a binary masterpiece, where contrasting and complementary elements of substance and style create a vital tension. In an atmosphere reminiscent of a «Bildungsroman», Voltaire recreates man in his own image, elaborating a new role model for mankind. In the Huron's development and education, reason and sentiment are carefully combined in the service of a humanitarian ideal.