Mahomet (play)
Voltaire wrote Mahomet in 1736 during a period of intense philosophical inquiry. The play emerged from his desire to critique religious authority through fiction. He crafted the five-act tragedy while living in France, drawing on historical episodes involving Muhammad. Voltaire described the work as written against the founder of what he called a false and barbarous sect. His letter to Pope Benedict XIV in August 1745 reveals his intent to use satire to expose cruelty and errors attributed to a false prophet. The playwright sought to challenge established dogma by presenting a story of manipulation and fanaticism.
The narrative unfolds during Muhammad's siege of Mecca in 629 AD when opposing forces observe a short-term truce. Zopir stands as an ardent advocate for free will who openly rejects Mahomet. Seid and Palmira are two long-lost children abducted fifteen years earlier and raised in slavery under Mahomet's control. Palmira becomes the object of Mahomet's desires while Seid grows to love her. Mahomet devises a plan to send Seid on a suicide attack to assassinate Zopir. In Act IV Scene I, Mahomet declares that they must work in secret while hiding their purpose behind dark shades of death. Seid eventually slays Zopir after his fanatical loyalty overtakes his initial hesitation about carrying out the assignment. Phanor arrives later to reveal that Zopir was actually Seid and Palmira's father. Palmira renounces Mahomet's God and commits suicide rather than fall into his clutches.
Voltaire used the play as a direct assault on the moral character of historical figures like Muhammad. Omar represents a known historical figure who became the second caliph. The characters of Seid and Palmira symbolize Muhammad's adopted son Zayd ibn Harithah and his wife Zaynab bint Jahsh though their lives do not resemble the fictional versions. Pierre Milza suggests the target may have been the intolerance of the Catholic Church and its crimes done on behalf of Christ. Voltaire stated in 1742 that he tried to show how fanaticism led by an impostor can plunge weak minds into horrible excesses. Another letter from September 1743 explains the plot serves as an implicit reference to Jacques Clément, the monk who assassinated Henri III in 1589. This connection reveals Voltaire's strategy of using Islamic history to critique Christian religious practices.
The debut performance took place in Lille on the 25th of April 1741. Voltaire sent a copy of the play to Pope Benedict XIV along with a couplet in Latin requesting two holy medals. The Pope responded by sending the medals back and thanking him for what he called a very beautiful tragedy. An 1881 revival in Paris faced official protest from the Ottoman Turkish ambassador. In 2005 a reading of the play in Saint-Genis-Pouilly resulted in demands for cancellation and street disturbances outside the venue. Mayor Bertrand allowed the play to continue despite pressure from Muslim groups. He stated that free speech remains modern Europe's foundation stone and refused to cave under public pressure. Napoleon later criticized the work during his captivity on Saint Helena claiming Voltaire had degraded Mahomet by making him act like a scoundrel worthy of the gallows.
Four known translations exist in English ranging from early adaptations to modern versions. James Miller completed Mahomet the Imposter which was first performed in 1744 and published by A. Donaldson in 1759. This version is technically an adaptation rather than a direct translation. E. P. Dupont publishers released another translation in New York in 1901. Robert L. Myers produced a translation published by Frederick Ungar in 1964. Hannah Burton created a new translation titled Fanaticism or Mahomet the Prophet published by Litwin Books in 2013. These versions demonstrate how the play has been adapted across centuries while maintaining its core themes of religious conflict and manipulation.
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Common questions
When did Voltaire write the play Mahomet?
Voltaire wrote the play Mahomet in 1736 during a period of intense philosophical inquiry. He crafted the five-act tragedy while living in France and drew on historical episodes involving Muhammad.
What is the plot summary of the play Mahomet by Voltaire?
The narrative unfolds during Muhammad's siege of Mecca in 629 AD when opposing forces observe a short-term truce. Seid slays Zopir after his fanatical loyalty overtakes his initial hesitation, and Palmira renounces Mahomet's God and commits suicide rather than fall into his clutches.
Who are the main characters in the play Mahomet written by Voltaire?
Zopir stands as an ardent advocate for free will who openly rejects Mahomet. Seid and Palmira are two long-lost children abducted fifteen years earlier and raised in slavery under Mahomet's control, while Omar represents a known historical figure who became the second caliph.
Why did Voltaire write the play Mahomet?
Voltaire described the work as written against the founder of what he called a false and barbarous sect. His letter to Pope Benedict XIV in August 1745 reveals his intent to use satire to expose cruelty and errors attributed to a false prophet.
When was the first performance of the play Mahomet held?
The debut performance took place in Lille on the 25th of April 1741. Voltaire sent a copy of the play to Pope Benedict XIV along with a couplet in Latin requesting two holy medals.