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Socrates

by Voltaire (1694–1778)

  • Free to read
  • 35 min read
  • 3 chapters
  • Reading level: 6th grade

"Socrates" by Voltaire is a play written in 1759. Set in Ancient Greece, it dramatizes the events leading to the philosopher's trial and death. Voltaire portrays Socrates as a moral figure persecuted by corrupt Athenian officials and priests. Heavy with satire, the play targets government authority and organized religion. While less famous than Voltaire's other works, it reveals his contempt for institutional power—ideas that would later influence revolutionary movements in America and France.

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  • Tragedies (Drama)
  • French drama · 18th century · Translations into English
  • Socrates

Read the opening

Act I

ANITUS: My dear confidants, my dear agents, you know how much money I made you during the last festival of Ceres. I'm getting married and I hope you will do your duty on this grand occasion.

DRIXA: Yes, without doubt, Milord, since you are going to make us earn yet more.

ANITUS: Madame Drixa, I must have two beautiful Persian rugs. You, Terpandre, of you I only ask two large silver candelabra. And of you, Acros, a half dozen dresses of silk embroidered with gold.

TERPANDRE: That's a bit much; but Milord there's nothing I won't do to deserve your holy protection.

ANITUS: You will regain all that a hundred fold. It's the best way to deserve the favors of the gods and goddesses. Give much and you will receive much; and especially don't fail to arouse the people against all the people of quality who do not vow enough, and who do not present offerings.

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Contents

  1. Act I
  2. Act II
  3. Act III: (The Judges are seated on a tribunal. Socrates is standing.)

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About this edition

This free edition of Socrates by Voltaire comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #4683, released 2003-11-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Plays/Films/Dramas, French Literature, Philosophy & Ethics.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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