How Does Voltaire Use Satire In Candide

Voltaire was and always will be known as a satirist, famous for his use of humor to express his ridicule of institutionalized ideals set in place during the 1700’s. In Voltaire’s Candide, he makes a point to address the absurdities of pursuing an optimistic ideal. Voltaire uses a sense of humorous disregard for those of great stature, making a mockery of what is perceived as ideal. Optimism, a strong ideal during the Enlightenment, is an approach to life with the basic assumption that everything happens for a reason and even if it seems evil, it is actually for the greater good per God’s control. Dr. Pangloss serves as a philosophical tutor to Candide, accompanying him throughout the story. Through the use of satire, Voltaire uses the character of Dr. Pangloss to embody all that is optimistic, ensuring Candide that this world he lives in is “the best of all possible worlds” (Voltaire, 1). Of all the things Voltaire satirized in the story of Candide, this single quote encompasses all subsequent instances of

Often, Dr. Pangloss is involved in these tales. Dr. Pangloss is faced with the infection of syphilis, which does not seem to be of great desire for most people. Remaining optimistic, he says “it was a thing unavoidable, a necessary ingredient in the best of worlds” (Voltaire, 8). The satire is seen very clearly here; Voltaire mocks the idea that contracting a life threatening disease was just in God’s plan and essential to Pangloss’ best life. This is absurd, Voltaire is trying to convey that not everything that happens necessarily happens for a good reason. Candide and Pangloss also experience a shipwreck and an earthquake in Lisbon together, both of which have no benefit to anyone at play. In other words, no greater good is accomplished by the causal effects of natural disasters. Voltaire scrutinizes the absurdity in assuming detrimental events such as these are necessary for the best