First Semester Ap

European History Term

Paper:
Dinner At Voltaires
Anish Navada
Due Date- 1/10/16
Ms. Goodman

As the mailbox opened a fancy envelope fell out. I picked up the envelope, and saw the words, To
Anish Navada, engraved in gold script. Excited, I picked up the letter and ran my eyes through it. The
words you have been invited, popped out, and I realized that this was an invitation to the dinner at
Voltaires house in a week. I went down to the kitchen and told my family that I could not go to our
friends house next week as we had planned. I had a more important place to be.
After coming back to my room, I reread the invitation Voltaire sent me. I realized that he had
given me the honor to pick 5 guests to dine with us, preferably people who he could enjoy intelligent talk
with. I immediately knew that I wanted to invite Benjamin Franklin and Isaac Newton, two intelligent
people. Afterwards I decided to invite Jacques Louis David, a revolutionary French artist, Louis XVI,
the last Bourbon king of France, and George Washington, the first president of America. However, after I
sent the invitations, George Washington sent a mail back explaining that he regretfully could not make it
to the dinner due to time complications and other tasks. Therefore, as a last resort I invited my friend, a
French Peasant.
One week later, I woke up early excited to go to the dinner. As the evening neared, I put on my
favorite suit, as I wanted to impress the great Voltaire. I had made arrangements for a stagecoach to pick

me up and drop me off at Voltaires farmhouse near Geneva. The cab stopped in front of a large garden,
and in a distance across the garden, a mansion could be seen. As I walked through the magnificent garden,
I wondered, How will I be able to match the intelligence of the others? I had read Voltaires Candide, so
I knew I could talk about the book, but I decided I would mainly try and keep silent.
When I entered the farmhouse a doorman greeted me and took me up to the 3rd h floor. We entered
a fancy dining room with mirrors and gold design adorning all the walls and a huge chandelier looming
over the table. When I entered the dining room I noticed two men holding a discussion. One of them had
on a plain coat and no fancy adornments other than some spectacles 1. It was Benjamin Franklin! The
other had a big fur coat and a flowing brownish white wig. I walked towards them and took a seat close
by, however both of them did not notice me as they were distracted by their conversation.
Yes, the American Revolution is surely justified. The people are fighting for a good government,
one that gives rights, liberty, and justice, Voltaire said to Franklin, nodding his head in approval.
Oh yes. That reminds me of the words you said to my grandson. I recall how you placed your hand on
his head and said, God and Liberty 2. These words that you said signify what the American Revolution
stands for, Benjamin Franklin replied smiling. They did not notice the waiter come in holding three
glasses of French wine.
Three glasses? Voltaire inquired. It was only then that Voltaire noticed my arrival. Oh my, the main
guest has arrived! My apologies, I did not notice your arrival. Welcome to the Ferney! You are the one
who has read and analyzed my book, Candide, right? Voltaire asked excitedly.
I was surprised that Voltaire knew of my reading, and pleased that he was happy to see my
arrival. Yes, I did read your book, and I am the one that invited all the guests here, I replied, a little
intimidated by intelligence of the other two. I enjoyed reading the book and was intrigued by the ideas
that the different characters in the story had.
1 Walter Issacson, Benjamin Franklin An American Life (New York, NY : Simon & Schuster, 2003), 354.

2 Roger Pearson, Voltaire Almighty (London, Bloomsbury : Bloomsbury publishing, 2005)

So, who do you agree more with in the story? Do you agree with Pangloss that we live in the
best of all possible worlds, or Martin? Voltaire asked me.
Well, I for one think that in the end, things do fall in place, Benjamin Franklin said, not giving
me a chance to answer. The odds were mostly against us in the war against Britain for freedom.
However at the end we were victorious and everything was for the best.
I agree! Even France won our independence! It was an unfamiliar voice that came from the
door making me and the other two turn our heads. A man I could not recognize walked into the room, and
Voltaires eyes lit up.
Welcome Jacques Louis David! Glad to see that you were invited and were able to make it to my
dinner! Voltaire exclaimed. I am a big fan of your art pieces and agree with a lot of your political views.
In fact I even used one of your art pieces to aid the effectiveness of one of my plays.
Ahh yes I remember, David said in recollection. You used my piece during your play of
Brutus3. As he said this, a man with long curly hair, a royal cloak, and tight pants walked in and took a
seat.
I was not informed that this artist was invited to this dinner, the man said glancing at David. David
looked back at the new guest cold-heartedly. I guessed that this new guest must be Louis XVI, the King of
France.
Well then, I see there is history between you two, Benjamin Franklin said fixing his glasses.
Yes, this artist was part of a rebellious group that started the blasted French Revolution. I was
humiliated and killed because of them4, the king said in frustration. I was going to make France great!
While the Jacques David and King Louis XVI bickered over matters of the French revolution, two men
walked into the dining room. One was in a cheap looking dress shirt and the other looked like he had not
3William R. Valentiner, Jacques Louis David And The French Revolution (New York:
Frederick F. Sherman, 1929) 18
4 Louis XVI Biography, Biography.com, accessed January 10, 2016,
http://www.biography.com/people/louis-xvi-9386943

made an attempt to look good. I recognized my friend the French peasant in the cheap dress shirt, and the
other person must be Isaac Newton.
Voltaire and Franklin looked at Isaac Newton in awe, knowing that they were looking at one of
the greatest minds to grace this world, and mostly ignored the French peasant. He sat by me and looked
like how I felt: intimidated by all the intelligent people. As the King of France and David quieted down,
the room became silent for a few second.
Indeed Voltaire, liberty is a big part of why the revolution in America had to take place,
Benjamin Franklin said continuing the conversation that they were holding previously. We were being
manipulated by the British government who taxed us without serving us. We needed a government that
served our people and allowed people social mobility. With hard work and dedication, anybody should be
given the chance to make it to the top of the social class 5.
Very wise words Franklin. That liberty that you described is precisely the liberty that I would love to
fight for, Voltaire agreed.
I do not recognize this man, but I agree whole-heartedly with his reasoning! Jacques Louis
David exclaimed. The French peasants had it even worse, as not only were we taxed without a say in the
government, we were the only ones taxed, as well as the only ones without a say in the government.
Additionally, no social mobility existed, and titles were handed out to people because of their money
rather than their hard work and skill6. Our king ignored all our problems and took no steps to help the
people, Jacques said looking at King Louis XVI.
The 1st and 2nd estate held more power and money than the peasants. They even had power over my
decision. There was no other choice but to have them tax exempt. In fact, in 1788, when I tried to get a
loan from parliament, they refused and revolted against me, 7 the King said, looking a little hopeless.

5 Isaacson, Benjamin Franklin An American Life, 149.

6 Louis XVI Biography,

Well, ask the quiet French peasant sitting over there how life was for the Third Estate in your country.
He will tell you all the problems that your subjects faced that you ignored during your time as a
monarch, David said. The French peasant looked nervous that he was being asked to speak, but
reluctantly explained his daily life.
I wake up in the morning and eat a piece of bread, though sometimes not even that. Then I tend
to the crops and field, feed the animals, and then have another piece of bread for lunch. Then I tend to my
fields some more so that I could have harvest to pay taxes and sustain a living, 8 he explained.
Wow, the state of life for the peasantry in France is even worse than I believed, Voltaire said shaking his
head. I looked over at Isaac Newton who had a blank expression on his face, clearly not listening to the
conversation.
So Isaac Newton. wow, I cannot believe that I have the honor of meeting you face to face.
Didnt you do a lot of work on gravity and how it works? I asked him to try to get him into a
conversation (I also wanted to know what he studied).
Yes indeed, I have done a lot of research into gravity and the math of it all, Newton replied.
Franklin and Voltaire became interested in what Newton had to say and came over to join the
conversation.
Isaac Newton! I forgot you were even here, my apologies. I understand that you were the one
who discovered the color spectrum? How were you able to make this discovery? Voltaire inquired.
Well, I was curious about how different pieces of glass could work together with light, so I
started experimenting with a glass prism. When I shot a ray of light at the prism, many colors appeared on
the other side, just like in the sky when its sunny during the rain. I determined that this must be white

7 French Revolution Cause: An Economic Crisis, last updated July 1 st, 2015,
http://bastille-day.com/history/Economic-Cause
8 About Peasants During The French Revolution, Susan Kerr, accessed January 10,
2016, http://www.ehow.com/about_4572173_peasants-during-french-revolution.html

separated into all of its parts after some research and named it the color spectrum 9, Isaac Newton said, as
if he had explained this many times.
You are absolutely brilliant, Now I can see that it definitely makes sense that you were the first scientist
to be knighted in England10, Benjamin Franklin said. Both Voltaire and Franklin looked fascinated by
Isaac Newtons words. I was also interested in what Benjamin Franklin had done, as I knew he was also a
great mind with many accomplishments.
How about you Franklin? Didnt you do a lot of work and research in electricity? I knew that Franklin
proved lightning and electricity were the same thing using the kite and key11. You proved to everyone
that lightning and electricity were the same using your iconic kite experiment right?
Yes, that was indeed me. However I am also interested in many other fields, and I love inventing things,
Benjamin Franklin replied, happy to talk about his research and inventions.
Really? What inventions have you made Benjamin Franklin? Voltaire asked interested.
Well the important things that I have invented include the bifocal glasses, the lightning rod, and
a stove. But I have helped the designs of many other inventions such as street lamps. Daylight savings
time was also my idea to help save energy12, Franklin said beaming with pride.
As Isaac Newton went back to his state of daydreaming, I thought I could switch the topic. So, Voltaire,
after reading your book, Candide, I am curious about your opinion on women. Throughout the book, the
women in the story are not developed upon. You only mention their beauty and never their intelligence 13.

9 Seeing Color, last modified December 17, 2009, http://askabiologist.asu.edu/sirisaac-newton

10 Seeing Color
11 Benjamin Franklin and Electricity, James H. Bilington,
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/aa/franklinb/aa_franklinb_electric_4.html
12 Isaacson, Benjamin Franklin An American Life, 572

Also, Cunegonde is always at the presence of a man and going through some sexual turmoil with them. Is
this your opinion on women?
No, not at all actually. I believe women should not be looked down upon by men. In fact I even wrote a
paper on the topic. Women are just physically different from men, although not inferior. There are
examples of women who are courageous and fearless like men, though not as many. However women
have more skills in other aspects like knitting, and are gentler than men 14. You can find all my opinions on
the paper I wrote, Voltaire replied.
I agree with Voltaire, Franklin said. I have debated about this topic frequently, especially with John
Collins. During our debate he used to argue that woman should not get an education because they are fit
for household chores, while I used to argue that women should get an education because they should be
considered as equals15.
But then why have you written your book in a way that makes all the women look inferior and like just
pretty faces? I asked.
Oh, because that is my favorite style of persuasion. I am mocking the current view of women
that men hold of course! Additionally, in El Dorado, which is my representation of a perfect society, there
were 20 female guards, and the great crown officers included both males and females 16. This was my way
of advocating for the equality of women in the book, Voltaire explained as if it were obvious.

13 Voltaire, Candide (France: Cramer, Marc-Michel Rey, Jean Nourse, Lambert, and
others, 1759) 3
14 Voltaire, VOLTAIRE: WOMEN From the Online Library of Liberty.
http://users.clas.ufl.edu/ufhatch/pages/02-TeachingResources/ClioElectric/1-Electronic
%20Texts/Hatch-Voltaire%20-%20On%20women.pdf

15 Isaacson, Benjamin Franklin An American Life, 27

16 Voltaire, Candide, 84

Ahh ok that makes sense Voltaire, thanks for clearing that up, I said. Also, in your book you mock
organized religion frequently by showing all the corrupt religious officials. Does this mean that you are
against religion as a whole, or just organized religion?
I believe in a God, and do believe that religion is important. However, the Church has turned this
God into a money-making business to increase their own power. The church doctrine disregards the
original message of God and is an offense to the human quality of reason 17, Voltaire replied.
I for one do not believe religion is necessary at all. All definite truths have been discovered
through scientific line of thinking, and not through religious revelation 18, so why focus on religion in the
first place? Anyways, I do not believe God is nicer to those that pray to him19. Franklin said.
Although you have a point Franklin, I believe that a society without god-fearing citizens is a
recipe for chaos20. There should be the religious freedom for each individual to believe in whatever they
please, instead of being forced beliefs from the Church. Religious freedom is a quality every government
needs, Voltaire said ardently.
I saw that King Louis XVI and Jacques Louis David were now silently eating their food and were
done fighting about the Kings rule. Thats when I realized that food had already been served a long time
ago. I was too busy listening to the historical people of the past talk that I had forgotten that I had come
here for a dinner! So I proceeded to start eating my food while the rest of the others continued chatting
about certain issues. After the dinner was over Benjamin Franklin and Jacques Louis David decided to
stay over at his house over the weekend. I was busy over the weekend however, so King Louis XVI, Isaac
Newton, and me left the house after dinner and an exchange of farewells.

17 Pearson, Voltaire Almighty, 404

18 Isaacson, Benjamin Franklin An American Life, 45
19 Isaacson, Benjamin Franklin An American Life, 451
20 Pearson, Voltaire Almighty, 404

Bibliography
Websites

Biography.com editors. Louis XVI Biography. Accessed January 10, 2016.

http://www.biography.com/people/louis-xvi-9386943.
Bastille Day editors. French Revolution Cause: An Economic Crisis. Last updated July 1st,
2015. http://bastille-day.com/history/Economic-Cause.
Bilington, James H. Benjamin Franklin and Electricity. Accessed January 10, 2016.
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/aa/franklinb/aa_franklinb_electric_4.html
Kerr, Susan. About Peasants During the French Revolution. Accessed January 10, 2016.
http://www.ehow.com/about_4572173_peasants-during-french-revolution.html

Kim Cooper, CJ Kazilek. "Seeing Color." ASU - Ask A Biologist. 17 December 2009.
http://askabiologist.asu.edu/sir-isaac-newton.

Books and Primary Resources

Issacson, Walter. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life. New York, NYC: Simon & Schuster,
2003.

Pearson, Roger. Voltaire Almighty. London, Bloomsbury: Bloomsbury publishing, 2005

Richard S. Westfall, Never at Rest: A Biography of Isaac Newton(Cambridge University Press,

1981)
Valentiner, William R. Jacques Louis David And The French Revolution. New York: Frederick F.
Sherman, 1929.

Voltaire. Candide. France: Cramer, Marc-Michel Rey, Jean Nourse, Lambert, and others, 1759

Voltaire. VOLTAIRE:WOMAN. From the Online Library of Liberty.

http://users.clas.ufl.edu/ufhatch/pages/02-TeachingResources/ClioElectric/1-Electronic
%20Texts/Hatch-Voltaire%20-%20On%20women.pdf