Essay Questions

How does education enrich Huron’s worldview?

While in prison, Huron starts to read various books to pass the time, but the habit turns out to be beneficial because it changes his reasoning and thinking. Huron shares a lot with Gordon everything he reads and how he interprets the world around him. After Huron is released from prison, he is a changed man, and he can think critically to change things around him positively. The author introduces the issue of education to show how it can change people's perspectives on how they see the world. According to the author, education enlightens people, and it is the key to true success.

How does the author figuratively use prison?

Despite many thinking that prison is hell, Voltaire uses it as a symbol of civilization and transformation. In most cases, people end up in prison because they commit various offenses. In prison, convicts are separated from the rest of society to reflect on their past lives. While in prison, convicts are given multiple opportunities, including training and education. While Huron is in prison, he starts reading, and education enlightens him by changing his worldview. When he comes out of prison, Huron is a positively changed man who contributes to his nation's economic growth.

Do you agree that Huron is a heroic character in the book ‘L’Ingenu’ by Voltaire?

Through the motif of illumination, the author depicts Huron as the heroic character in the book because, despite the early challenges, he emerges as the happiest person. Before going to prison, Huron was the wrong person and a disgrace in society. However, while in prison, he dedicated his life to transforming into a better person through education. Huron left prison a wholly changed man for the better, and he demonstrated that through his positive contribution to society. Therefore, Huron is the true heroic character in the book.