Voltaire's Candide: Satire and Optimism

Voltaire: His World and Book

• Voltaire, born into a wealthy family, initially pursued diplomacy before dedicating himself to writing
• Writing satires led to challenges, Voltaire eventually rose to prominence in Europe
• Candide was first published anonymously in 1759, and Voltaire only publicly acknowledged authorship in 1768
• Voltaire used comic talent and a vivid sense of pace to entertain and convey his message
• Travel is central in the book through characters' personal and intellectual journeys
• The interconnected travels and destinations create a mix of ideas and debates

Literary and Philosophical Antecedents

• The adventurers are motivated by philosophical inquiry, not mere curiosity
• Travel writing is a descriptive and narrative genre that recounts the journeys of individuals or groups, which influences judgement of their own society
• Utopian literature portrays imaginary worlds based on political and social ideals
• Anti-Utopian or dystopian writing presents worlds where human ideals of a perfect society are impractical or absurd
• Voltaire portrayed the reality of his world by grounding descriptions of places like Westphalia, Lisbon, Paris, and Constantinople in reality

The Genre of Candide

• Candide does not fully conform to the strict definition of an 18th-century novel
• It can be described as a philosophical novel or as satire which mocks individuals, institutions, or society.
• Candide employs Indirect Satire, allowing readers to formulate their own conclusions
• The literary irony used includes a naive hero, where the characters' views are different from the actual views recognized by the the readers and author. Humor in Candide results from the ironic distance between Voltaire's satirical attack and narrator's words

Introduction to Candide

• Candide, written by Voltaire, follows character Candide, and his search for the meaning of life
• The book employs satire and explores themes of optimism, flaws of society and unpredictable nature.
• Candide's journey includes both humour and thought provoking commentary

Voltaire's Opinion vs The Philosophy of Optimism

• Voltaire’s philosophical views opposed the wide spread belief of optimism
• Candide is named after its main character
• Optimism was common during the 18th century. Particularly with the rich, slave owners and men.
• Gottfried Leibniz believed the creator wanted creatures to be happy, deeming this the most satisfying world
• Leibniz acknowledged suffering, deeming human inability to see the universal plan as the reason
• Voltaire used his world experiences to get some ideas of his own
• The 1755 Lisbon earthquake was an event that made optimist belief questionable

Contrasting Voltaire's views on ‘optimism’ with those of Pope (and Leibniz)

• Alexander Pope’s An Essay on Man includes the line “whatever is, is right”, which was a slogan for optimists
• Voltaire used it ironically in The Lisbon Earthquake
• Pope's poem stated it was necessary to understand the evil of individuals in order to understand divine plan
• In Candide, Voltaire attacks Pope's poem, using irony
• Leibniz's ideas are embodied by Pangloss in Voltaire's Candide
• Candide's name refers to the style of writing: straightforward and outspoken

Pangloss's Journey

• Pangloss is Candide's optimistic and philosophical mentor in "Candide".
• He adheres to the belief that “all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds” despite hardships
• Throughout the story, his philosophy is challenged by realities
• Pangloss satirizes blind optimism and emphasizes the contrast/complexities between optimistic ideals and the realities of life
• Pangloss' Lisbon earthquake experience maintains his positive stance, saying the event was necessary for the world. This is a satirical moment against those who deny realitites of day to day life
• Pangloss' teachings decline when Candide begins to encounter things like war corruption, and poverty

Cunegonde's Journey

• Cunegonde is the daughter of a German baron, and is young and beautiful at multiple points in the novel
• Her father's destruction leads to enslavement as mistress to men
• She is the female figure in Candide and much of Candide's journey is finding her.
• Cunegonde has her own interests but still loves Candide. She is not intelligent nor complex
• Her journey shows the injustices/challenges women faced, starting as an aristocratic beauty enjoying priviledge
• After her castle is attacked she is captured and raped
• Her captured leads to being seen as an object as opposed to an individual with rights
• Her story underlines Voltaire's criticism of the views towards women. She underscores the injustice and societal change needed

Female Characters and their Suffering

• There are 3 episodes narrated by women in Voltaire's "Candide."
• Condégonde, Packuette and the old woman's stories illustrate the trials women face during their specific time
• Condégonde is of particular importance; she is embodiment of societal expectations that women be seen rather as property than figures
• Her enslavement and rape show her lack of experience of women's lack of agency
• The old woman's story describes the abuse endured by women captured by pirates
• Pacquette's situation shows consequences faced from the very few societal options women faced in the era
• Voltaire used the difficulties faced by women to advocate for reform and allow viewers to reflect on the prevailing standards of the time

Cacambo's Journey

• Cacambo follows Candide on most of his journey, and is intelligent and moral . He goes to El Dorado as a turning point
• El Dorado is a sharp contrast to their experience. In the city gold has little value.
• There is harmony and no greed like Europe has, because there is no need. People thank their God daily for their wealth while having no religious oppression
• Candide sees there are no prisons, but there are schools devoted to philosophy and science
• After one month Canidde cannot live in El Dorado. He takes as many stones to save Cunegonde
• Voltaire uses El Dorado to show shortcomings of Candide's world
• El Dorado is an idealized society, however there are parts of the world where simplicity and reason are valuable

Candide's Journey

• Candide’s journey is a roller coaster of emotions, ups and downs
• He lives a sheltered life but has everything turned around when thrown into harsh realities
• Candide’s optimism gets challenged by natural disasters, wars and cruel people
• El Dorado’s utopian society stands as a commentary against the societal problems of the time because greed and corruption are nonexistent.
• Candide starts to question the reality around him. His early optimism gives way to a complex understanding of this.
• The end shows Candide has a practical mindset, enjoying life as it comes

The Dervish and His Philosophy

• The Dervish in Candide is a character that makes sense and is straightforward.
• He keeps his concepts very simple unlike the complicated adventures that Candide faces. His simple advice is to work and avoid overthinking.
• This character puts the focus on daily tasks instead of being lost in thoughts.
• The down to life style is a contrast to what Candide encounters

The Old man and his Philosophy

• The Old Man is a nice charcter with simple beliefs. He goes with Candide on his journey, and his advice surrounds kindness and generosity.
• The Old Man shares resources and believes in helping others: he has little to work with. The goodwill shows the contrast from others in the book.
• He shows humanity is virtue. he is a beacon of positivity in harsh times. His message overall is that generosity and kindness can make a big impact.

Explore Voltaire's satirical novella, 'Candide,' which critiques philosophical optimism. The story follows Candide's disillusionment as he confronts the harsh realities of the world, challenging the notion that 'all is for the best'. Discover the literary devices and themes used to mock optimistic beliefs.