The role of social commentary in art and literature is often controversial. Following the publication of Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses – a book which comments on the experience of Muslims in Britain – a fatwā calling for the author's death was issued. Although contemporary examples of commentators facing difficulties are not uncommon, artists of the past were regularly censored for their opinions and works. Dostoyevsky, for example, was exiled for years and nearly put to death for his opinions. Voltaire was banished from Paris by Louis XV. These two writers clearly understood the impact that their works could have on society. As such, it is beneficial to compare their views on the role of art in humanity. Voltaire's work, Candide, is a satirical commentary on many things, including how to live a fulfilling life. The protagonists of the work go through many trials and ultimately learn to avoid boredom, vice and poverty in order to be satisfied. Dostoyevsky would certainly have read Candide and given his own advice for living a fulfilling life in Notes from Underground. Dostoyevsky states that humanity must prove to itself that it is not a purely rational being and that it can only be free by rejecting total rationality. Comparing these works, it becomes clear how these teleological differences carry over into their views on all things, including the role of art. For Voltaire, nothing is more important in art than provoking an emotional response. This is the primary foundation that connects each of his comments on art in Candide. The eponymous protagonist sees a play during his stay in Paris. Despite protests from those around him, he cries almost uncontrollably during parts of the tragedy. Critics who see this react coldly and hate Volt...... middle of paper ...... Dostoevsky might argue that his work was not intended to be informative, but simply became so avoiding utilitarianism and excess emotion. . Voltaire, however, seems to have written a utilitarian work despite his aversion to such things. The comparison of the authors' views on the role of art in society arises from their overall views on the need to lead a satisfying life. Voltaire believes that one must cultivate one's garden, and therefore art – like many forms of entertainment – ​​is useless and perhaps harmful. Dostoyevsky believes that one must become free by rejecting existence based on reason. There is hardly a better way to do this than to create art. Despite their differences, the commentary on society present in both authors' works has caused them a lot of trouble and – necessary or not for living a fulfilling life – it is clear that great art radically affects those who view it..