Throughout Voltaire’s Candide, the implications of religious symbols and figures are used to satirize the philosophy of paternal optimism by highlighting hypocrisy in the Church. The role of the Church in historical context offers significant insight into the analysis of the text. Candide was written in 1759, a period where people started questioning the authority of the Church to explore reason as a means for acquiring knowledge. With this in mind, Candide’s religious implications are relevant with consideration to the time period. By stressing the theme of institutional hypocrisy and separation between the Church and religious values, Voltaire invalidates the Church’s role as a supreme authority and thus addresses man’s need for an altered …show more content…
perception of truth in terms of knowledge and understanding of the universe. Voltaire portrays characters affiliated with the Church by satirizing their morals as opposite to what is expected of an authoritative person. By doing this, the authority of institutional figures, and as a result, the Church, is invalidated. One example of this is the pope in the novel. The old woman claims to be the daughter of the pope when describing her ill fate to Candide, "I had not always bleared eyes and red eyelids; neither did my nose always touch my chin; nor was I always a servant. I am the daughter of Pope Urban X, and of the Princess of Palestrina" (24). This is ironic when considering a Pope is supposed to be celibate. The Pope is the head of the Church and thus by showing a major moral flaw in the Pope, the morality of the Church as a whole is brought into question. Despite this realization, people are able to turn the other way. The general public is aware of injustice, yet there is also a blind following of the church on the grounds of paternal optimism. Pangloss represents the public naivety and explains that the corruption and evil of the world is “for a greater good”. His beliefs are clear and unwavering from the beginning of the novel when he states, “It is clear, said he, that things cannot be otherwise than they are, for since everything is made to serve an end, everything necessarily serves the best end.” (1-2). Even after Pangloss is exposed to the evil of the world and the corruption of the Church in the novel he explains that he “is still of his first opinion” (81). This is significant, for it highlights the recognition of corruption yet an inability to except it. He continues to follow the Church despite his awareness of the immortality at the very root of the institution. This reveals an aspect of human nature. Humans naturally want to come to terms with knowledge and understanding that is convenient to them. Thus, the human mind is able to morph the world into a perception of truth. People recognize the corruption of the Church, but are unwilling to accept it as corruption. Instead, they simply alter their perspective to try to reconcile this corruption with a logical understanding that makes sense in the context of their faith. This criticism of mankind and the church as an institution is present throughout the novel. When considering this criticism, there is a clear distinction between the Church as an institution and Christian religious roots. This is important to consider, for it has significant implications in the text. One of the character that establishes this separation is Jacques the Anabaptist who is portrayed in the novel as a Christ like figure. . Jacques the Anabaptist is arguably the most moral character in the novel. He cares for Candide, helps with Pangloss’s recovery, and dies to save an ungrateful sailor. Jacques’ self-sacrifice establishes him as a Christ like figure. This is particularly evident when the text states, “Candide drew near and saw his benefactor, who rose above the water one moment and was then swallowed up forever”. The syntax choice of “rose” in the text is noteworthy as it is comparable to Christ “rising again” in the bible. While the pope represents an institutional figure, the Anabaptist represents a religious figure. By showing this religious figure in a positive and holy light, the author highlights the importance of separating religion from institution. The further implications of this distinction is invalidating the Church’s role as supreme authority and putting the supreme authority in religious values. For ultimately the supreme authority of the Church belongs with Christ. Further, showing Jacques as a Christ like figure puts authority in the hands of morality which is fundamental to Christian values. Considering this distinction between institution and religion, the setting of El Dorado symbolizes a heaven that focuses on religious values and is free from the corruption of institution.
El Dorado is described as “raised as high as the clouds, the market places were ornamented with a thousand columns, the fountains of spring water…” (45). This representation of the city in the clouds with great riches shows El Dorado as heavenly. Using symbolism of heaven, the speaker further stresses the importance of separating the institution from religious values. This is shown when Cacambo and Candide are in El Dorado and ask the old man where all of the priests are in El Dorado. The old man responds stating “My friend, we are all priests. The King and all the heads of the families sing solemn canticles of thanksgiving every morning, accompanied by five or six thousand musicians” (44). In this context, priests represent the Church as an institution. Therefore, the old man implies that El Dorado lacks a hierarchical institution. On the contrary, everyone is a member of the religious ceremonies and plays an equal role in worship. Therefore, the portrayal of heaven as free from institution and religion focused implies that the Church lacks supreme authority. For ultimately, heaven is based on the religious values of Jesus Christ and not those imposed by a corrupt worldly
institution. Religion is a major theme throughout Candide and is used to stress institutional hypocrisy. However, there is a clear distinction made between the Church as an institution and the religious values of Christianity shown in the mortality of Jacques the Anabaptist and symbolism of heaven in El Dorado. The blind naivety of the characters in following an institution tainted in hypocrisy sheds light on human nature. For human’s constantly alter their perception of truth by altering their understanding of the universe based on what is convenient in their situations. Humans want to believe the best in the world and so often the world falls short of this expectation. Thus, Candide challenges human’s to stop ignoring and justifying evil in the world. On the contrary, it is important to recognize this evil and to follow the morality at the root of religion and thus stop contributing to the corruption and ignorant naivety of mankind.
The author, Voltaire, wrote in the Enlightenment period, a literary movement characterized by the rising concern of philosophy, science, and politics. Voltaire’s writing was influenced by the Enlightenment movement to create awareness of global issues. This is evident in the repeated tragedies Candide stumbles upon. Social issues, corrupt authority figures, and war are real world topics that Voltaire chooses to address in Candide. The satirical nature of Candide allows for an in-depth discussion between the characters regarding the problems they face and the problems of the people they meet, creating a perspective that the audience is forced to look through. It is also a coming of age story, not just for Candide, but for the rising awareness in global issues. Voltaire’s inclusion of the issues of his time reflect the severity of those issues. Satire is used as a reaction to a society’s hypocrisy. Candide as a satirical piece reflects what people have neglected to pay attention to. Coming into a new era of awareness and responsibility leads Candide to reflect on the live he lived in Westphalia and the people he encountered across
In Voltaire's Candide, many of the characters share the uncanny ability to go through difficult situations and survive. Some of them are even killed, only to return in the next chapter healthier than ever. In many cases, they narrowly escape death due to the help of a friend who bails them out and asks for nothing in return. After so many close calls, one can't help but speculate if a higher power is in control of their fates, or possibly their survival is solely due to luck.
In chapter 5 of Candide, the Enlightenment and the birth of tolerance were on full display. In Candide, the Enlightenment thinkers’ view of the optimum world is challenged through the shipwreck and the satiric explanations of the Lisbon Bay and Lisbon Earthquake. Voltaire continues to use ironically tragic events to test Pangloss’s optimistic philosophy, which attempts to explain evil. The use of grotesque and naive behavior between individuals in this chapter makes the reader question Pangloss’s irrational thinking with the cause and effects of the events.
Autobiographer, essayist, playwright, poet, satirist, Enlightenment writer and philosopher – these are just a few of the hats worn by French born François-Marie Arouet, more famously known by the adopted pen name Voltaire. Beyond his written work Voltaire was an outspoken advocate for the freedom of religion, expression, and the separation of church and state. He used his versatile literary work as a tool to criticize the Catholic Church and overall intolerant French society. Voltaire’s cynical writing reached its highest potential in his rapid-fire satire Candide, or Optimism. In the novella, Voltaire told the story of Candide – a young man on a quest for happiness and spiritual fulfillment who encountered tragic setbacks that eventually led to bitter disillusionment. The purpose of Candide was to mock philosophers of the
Similarly to the Grand Inquisitor punishing heretics, the Protestant inflicts suffering upon Candide because they do not share the same religious beliefs. The Protestant symbolizes a hypocritical religious follower in the way that he preaches about charity, but lacks the ability to help Candide in his time of need. Additionally, the Protestant Reformation was a revolution against the Catholic Church that protested against the unbiblical values and actions that were present. Because the Protestant originated from a movement that criticized hypocrisy and corruption, it would be assumed that the character in “Candide” would disengage in similar behavior. Alternatively, the protestant ridicules Candide when he does not claim the Pope to be the
Thus, the major theme of Candide is one of the world not being the best of all possibilities, full of actions definitely not determined by reason or order, but by chance and coincidence. To prove his point, Voltaire uses pointed satire directed at various organizations and groups prevalent in his time period. In particular, Voltaire takes aim at organized religion, in particular Catholicism, as well as aristocratic arrogance and war. All of Voltaire’s comments are precisely chosen to convey his point that those in power were completely corrupt in all their thoughts and actions. Throughout the entire book, Voltaire portrays religious men, such as monks and priests, as hypocrites who do not live up to the religious standards that they set upon others.
In Candide, by Voltaire, Candide struggles through a world torn by constant bloodshed and crime. As he travels, he and other characters are deceived, injured, and abused by the world around him. Voltaire’s Candide reveals another side of human beings’ hearts as he portrays humanity’s hamartias as greed, lust, and religion.
The church’s robust grip on religious expression shattered as medieval society transitioned into a period known as the Reformation. Characterized by the rejection of common ideology, the Reformation sparked religious curiosity. Reformers such as John Calvin and Martin Luther offered interpretations of the Bible in direct opposition to the Catholic Church’s teachings, forcing Europeans to examine and formulate their own beliefs. This style of thinking was foreign to European society because up to this point in history Europeans were passive absorbers of Catholic Church ideology. Hence, it was natural that an era considered the Age of Enlightenment followed the period of rejection and questioning known as the Reformation. The Age of Enlightenment did not merely confine itself to religious expression, but spread throughout natural and social science. Thus, the Age of Enlightenment marked the beginning of academic and religious philosophy and allowed great minds to think free from restriction and condemnation of established institution. As the perception of natural
Religion has always been something that has been argued for centuries long ago. Voltaire has never been afraid to clearly speak his opinions on how he sees religion really is. Many have argued whether religion is actual belief or just a lot of hypocrisy from religion towards the world. The way Voltaire portrays religion in Candide it is some belief but mostly hypocrisy due to the secrets being held and all of the lies being told. He was never a big fan of religion and he satires it a lot and reveals what some religion really does. What Voltaire says is that religion seems fair but it is deep within lies that they do not follow their own rules and he addresses that by showing the many examples when they do something they should not do. Voltaire shows it with sarcasm and he uses wit as well seeing if the reader can notice how it would be ironic for religion to be portrayed in that manner.
Each chapter of Candide is a part of the story which Voltaire carefully expresses his concerns and criticism of 18th century society. Chapter 11 “The History of the old women” in particular criticises the pre-modern era in regards to religion. The enlightenment period called for freedom of religion from many philosophers ...
Candide is an outlandishly humorous, far-fetched tale by Voltaire satirizing the optimism espoused by the philosophers of the Age of Enlightenment. It is the story of a young man’s adventures throughout the world, where he witnesses much evil and disaster. Throughout his travels, he adheres to the teachings of his tutor, Pangloss, believing that "all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds." Candide is Voltaire’s answer to what he saw as an absurd belief proposed by the Optimists - an easy way to rationalize evil and suffering. Though he was by no means a pessimist, Voltaire refused to believe that what happens is always for the best.The Age of Enlightenment is a term applied to a wide variety of ideas and advances in the fields of philosophy, science, and medicine. The primary feature of Enlightenment philosophy is the belief that people can actively work to create a better world. A spirit of social reform characterized the political ideology of Enlightenment philosophers. While Voltaire’s Candide is heavily characterized by the primary concerns of the Enlightenment, it also criticizes certain aspects of the movement. It attacks the idea that optimism, which holds that rational thought can inhibit the evils perpetrated by human beings.
Voltaire, Francois-Marie Arouet de. “Candide.” The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Gen. ed. Martin Puchner. Shoter 3rd ed. Vol. 2. New York: Norton, 2013. 100-59. Print.
“Ecrasons l’infame,” which is interpreted, “We must crush the vile thing.” This is the expression Voltaire used to articulate his feelings for organized religion. With many natural theists soon to follow his path, Voltaire expressed his hatred for cultural religions, opting for a universal God of nature. Given a few more centuries, Darwin would have given Voltaire the scientific theory to support his desire for atheism. But alas, with no other theory in place, intelligent individuals of 18th century France were forced to use creationism to explain the world in its beauty and organization. This, as previously stated, was not a problem for Voltaire. His issue was the moral implications that separated religious groups, often to the point of war with one another. Religious intolerance was a subject he dealt with in many of his works, especially Candide. The religious characters in this work were mostly negative with the exception of Brethren predecessor, the Anabaptist, and the old woman. His opinion of various religions was also established in Candide, although it was simply a vague one, clumping all organized religions into an “evil superstitions” category. The conclusion of this work also gave us insight on Voltaire’s view of religion as either positive or detrimental to society and the individual.
Defining optimism and redefining the philosophies of the fictional Pangloss and the non-fictional Leibniz, Candid embarks on a mishap journey. From the very onset, Voltaire begins stabbing with satire, particularly at religion.
Voltaire’s Candide, and Gronniosaw’s A Narrative of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosow were both written in the 1700’s. Whilst Gronniosaw’s A Narrative frames Gronniosaws life story in the prose genre of a spiritual autobiography, depicting his personal experience of slavery into a redemptive journey from darkness and despair to light and salvation. Candide or Optimism is a philosophical satirical novel that ingeniously shakes the misinterpretation of doctrinal optimism. This assignment will firstly, analyse the language of the two extracts in turn, focusing on the narrative techniques, and then focus on the literary/linguistic features of the texts. Finally, the essay will reflect on how the passages are informed by context and will discuss the context, of philosophy, and religion, before concluding on the points raised.