Voltaire's Satire in Candide

A philosophy that believes everything happens for the best, even in the face of suffering.

A philosophy that believes only bad things will happen, leading to cynicism and inaction.

A realistic approach to life that emphasizes action and responsibility over abstract ideas.

The inability to acknowledge hardship and suffering, leading to delusion and ineffectiveness.

Despair and inaction that result from expecting only bad things.

Voltaire's Candide uses satire to criticize the hypocrisy and corruption of organized religion.

Voltaire uses ironic situations, like the Grand Inquisitor holding Cunégonde as a mistress while preaching piety, to highlight the gap between religious claims and reality.

Voltaire portrays religious figures who prioritize power and wealth over genuine faith and compassion, like the Friar who preaches poverty but lives luxuriously.

The auto-da-fé scene, where innocent people are burned for arbitrary reasons, mocks religious dogma that justifies violence in the name of divine will.

Candide explores two contrasting philosophies: optimism and pessimism, presented through various characters.

Pangloss represents extreme optimism, believing that everything happens for the best, despite suffering and injustices.

Martin embodies extreme pessimism, believing that the world is inherently bad and that nothing good can come from it.

Voltaire rejects both extreme optimism and pessimism, advocating for a balanced approach that acknowledges both good and bad in the world.