Satirical Devices In Voltaire's 'Candide'

Reflective Statement Candide

The interactive oral conceptualized the satirical devices used by Voltaire in Candide and connected it’s cultural and contextual references to today’s world. Although the overarching storyline envelopes the underlying allusions, my peers illuminated hidden relationships beneath it. Thus, because of their explanations, Voltaire’s ridicule of his time period’s customs is comparable to the modernized world, of which my peers elaborated upon. One example to bring across is Vince’s acknowledgment of Voltaire’s mockery of philosophy. During Voltaire’s time period of the Enlightenment, people questioned as to which perspective to view life. As such, Voltaire had his own opinions of these philosophies, conveying it by recreating them in the forms of parodies; with Pangloss as optimism, Cacambo as realism, and Martin as pessimism (Candide, 143). However, Vince’s contribution to overall connections rests on how each fictional character connects to a real-life counterpart and

That, with the dramatic stereotype of Leibniz’s and Rousseau’s philosophical reasoning of optimism and pessimism, does he explore the comedy of each one. With optimism, Pangloss satirizes optimist approach of Leibniz by his illogical thinking during the most crucial moments. And Martin references Rousseau’s pessimist approach during times when it’s not necessary. Only when there are realist characters does Voltaire portray having a mixture of different ideologies result in better reasoning. Following more so on his purpose that there is no correct form to follow all of the time and that a mixture of different beliefs can benefit a person such as Cacambo or James the Anabaptist. Furthermore, the implements of these elements present the purpose of the piece as being there’s not an ideal philosophy for every perspective has its advantages and