Pangloss's Use Of Pessimism In Candide

Candide is a young male character, born out of wedlock to the German Baron of Thunder-ten-tronckh’s sister. His name means “whiteness” in Latin, signifying his innocence and purity, which ties directly to his inability to make his own decisions and being subject to the influence of stronger characters throughout the book. His character remains primarily static throughout the book, because although he makes minor steps in evaluating optimism, he ultimately sticks with the theory. Pangloss is a philosopher that worked at the German Baron’s castle and the catalyst of the the idea that they live in “the best of all possible worlds” and that “all is for the best” (Voltaire 1-2). This theory is based upon the ideas of philosopher Leibniz and is satirized throughout the book while being met with both skepticism and pessimism. Pangloss himself represents folly. Master Pangloss’ name however, became a word itself in history after the book was published, defined as “a person who is optimistic regardless of the circumstances” (Dictionary.com). It also can be translated as “all-tongue”, which pertains to his love to philosophize.

Her name can be interpreted as a pun on female genitalia, as she represents a love interest, but she is not just the love interest of Candide- almost everyone wanted Cunegonde at some point. Her conceit causes her to only look out for herself and her interests. She willing sacrifices her marriage to Candide to “be wife to the greatest lord in South America”, deciding it isn’t for her to “pique [her]self upon inviolable fidelity”, but insists on their marriage when they reunite in Constantinople (31). By this time, however, she is no longer desired by anyone, depicting faded beauty and that “what comes around, goes