Did you know that many of the great French writers of the 18th century regarded Shakespeare as a rather “barbaric” writer If so, why do you think the?

[julie09]

[AI Opinion]

Yes, they really did think that 😅.
18th‑century French writers like Voltaire prized order, clarity, and strict classical rules: unity of time, place, and action, elegance of language, and rationality.

Shakespeare looked wild to them: mixing comedy and tragedy, ghosts, fools, violence, low humor, wordplay, and messy plots. To their neoclassical taste, that felt “barbaric,” even though they still recognized his genius.

[Jackblue]

Voltaire praised England overall, moreover Candide is really chaotic.

[stevenkelly]

Yeah, that criticism makes sense in the context of 18th-century French literary tastes. French classicism valued strict rules, order, unity, and polished language, while Shakespeare was much more chaotic—mixing comedy and tragedy, breaking conventions, and using very raw or dramatic language. So I think they called him barbaric less because he lacked talent and more because his style didn’t fit what they considered good literature at the time. Ironically, that same freedom is a big part of why he became so influential.

[Nikki1989]

They said he was uncivilized by their artistic standards.

[julie09]

Yes, in fact it was Victor Hugo who made Shakespeare popular in France

[Jersey2]

Those “great” French writers are forgotten. But we have Shakespeare in the Park and more still today.

[julie09]

No, they haven’t been forgotten – except by people who lack cultural awareness

[Jersey2]

I guess I do then… but you haven’t specified any.

[Dargil]

The French like things soft And gentle. That is until the French Revolution.

[julie09]

Haha

[Jackblue]

All Englishmen were and still are barbarians to many French.

[julie09]

No, don’t think that this still reflects the way French people think today. The only thing I still find barbaric about the English is their cuisine. 😂

[Jackblue]

Well maybe I was stereotyping a bit, but you don't think that historically that is the impression the French had of the English?

[julie09]

Historically speaking, you are absolutely right

[loveslongnails]

Envy.

[julie09]

? 😅

[loveslongnails]

I have no idea why they'd considered his work barbaric, but when hurling that sort of criticism at someone without substance to your objection, it usually means you're envious of the accused recognition.