Modes of Play in Eighteenth-Century France

This volume explores how play was used to represent and reimagine the world in eighteenth-century France, theorizing its relation to law, religion, politics, and economics. It also examines the role of "play" in plays and the function of theatrical performance in mirroring and contesting our place in the universe.

Format: Hardback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 12 November 2021
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

This comprehensive volume explores the multifaceted uses of play in eighteenth-century France, encompassing a wide range of objects and activities such as dolls, bouquets, lotteries, and writing itself. By documenting these diverse modes of play, the contributors offer insightful theories about their relationship to law, religion, politics, and economics. Moreover, they emphasize the significance of "play" within plays, as well as the role of theatrical performances in mirroring and often challenging our understanding of our place in the universe. These essays serve as a reminder that the spirit of play was thriving during the "Age of Reason," providing practitioners with opportunities to explore profound themes such as free will, determinism, illusions, equivocations, and chance and inequality. Positioned at the crossroads of various intellectual disciplines, this is the first comprehensive study in English dedicated to examining the various manifestations of play in Enlightenment France, appealing to readers with an interest in interdisciplinary exploration.

Introduction:
In eighteenth-century France, play took on a multitude of forms and meanings, serving as a powerful tool for representation and reimagining the world. From dolls and bouquets to lotteries and writing, play encompassed a wide range of objects and activities that reflected the social, cultural, and intellectual currents of the time. This volume seeks to explore the diverse critical perspectives on play in eighteenth-century France, shedding light on its relation to law, religion, politics, and economics.

Theorizing Play's Relationship to Law, Religion, Politics, and Economics:
Contributors to this volume theorize about the relationship between play and these four spheres of influence. They argue that play was used to challenge and subvert established norms and power structures, providing a space for marginalized voices and alternative perspectives to be heard. Play was also seen as a means of promoting social cohesion and harmony, as it allowed individuals to come together and share experiences in a non-threatening and inclusive environment.

The Role of "Play" in Plays:
Furthermore, the contributors discuss the role of "play" within plays, particularly in terms of its function in mirroring and contesting our place in the universe. Plays were used to explore complex themes such as free will, determinism, illusions, and equivocations, and to challenge the dominant ideologies of the time. The theatrical performance itself was a means of mirroring society, highlighting its flaws and contradictions, and providing a platform for social critique and reform.

The Spirit of Play in the "Age of Reason":
These essays remind us that the spirit of play was very much alive during the "Age of Reason," providing ways for its practitioners to consider more "serious" themes such as free will and determinism, illusions and equivocations, or chance and inequality. Play allowed individuals to explore these themes in a playful and imaginative way, without the fear of judgment or consequences. It served as a means of promoting intellectual inquiry and creativity, and of challenging the status quo.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this volume offers new insights into the multifaceted uses of play in eighteenth-century France, highlighting its relation to law, religion, politics, and economics. By documenting various modes of play and the role of "play" within plays, contributors theorize about its relationship to these four spheres of influence. They remind us that the spirit of play was alive during the "Age of Reason," providing ways for its practitioners to consider more "serious" themes and promoting intellectual inquiry and creativity. This is the first comprehensive study in English devoted to the different guises of play in Enlightenment France, and it is sure to interest curious readers across disciplinary backgrounds.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781684483419