Julie, or the New Heloise

Main Ideas

• Love and Morality: An exploration of the complex relationship between love and moral principles, as well as the conflict between personal feelings and societal norms.
• Nature and Civilization: A contrast between the natural state of man and his life in society, a critique of civilization, and a return to nature as an ideal.
• Education and Upbringing: The importance of upbringing and education in shaping personality, the influence of environment and mentors on human development.
• Social and Class Differences: An examination of social and class differences, their impact on personal relationships, and the destinies of the characters.
• Epistolary Form: The use of letters as a literary device to convey the thoughts and feelings of the characters, creating an effect of immediacy and intimacy.