Overview

This study examines the paradoxes and contradictions of the Enlightenment in the work of Bernardin de Saint-Pierre through the lens of postcolonial theory. Based on an analysis of his narrative *Voyage à l'île de France*, it highlights the dark side of the Enlightenment as it is evident in the writing of this ""Enlightenment"" author. Indeed, the 18th century is characterized by the awakening of the philosophical spirit, whose fundamental ambition is the struggle for the universal promotion of human rights and freedoms. But does this ideal still hold up when applied to Bernardin de Saint-Pierre's travel narrative? Although Saint-Pierre is viewed by many analysts as a leading figure of his era due to his anti-slavery and anti-colonial stances, in *Voyage à l'île de France* he stands out for his caricatured portrayal of Black people, his praise of slavery, his ode to colonialism, and his Eurocentrism. Consequently, through postcolonial analysis, the universal philanthropy attributed to this philosopher is debunked: his humanism never truly crossed European borders and therefore deserves to be put into perspective.

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9786630055566

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