Theme Of Optimism In Candide

The age of Enlightenment is an intellectual movement which began in England in the 17th century. The enlightenment focused on the power and humans rationality. It was a scientific approach to religious, social, economic, and political issues. The enlightenment was an attempt to improve humanity conditions by applying rational thoughts to natural happenings. Voltaire depicted the ideas of the Enlightenment but was satirized into his novella, Candide. Through his novella Candide, Voltaire added his personal thoughts by criticizing the nobility, philosophies, the church, and the cruelty. Voltaire attacks the idea of optimism. Candide is a story about a young man’s adventures throughout the world, where he witnesses evil and disasters. Throughout …show more content…
Voltaire attacks on his claim of “the best of all possible worlds” which is permeated throughout the novella. There are satirical references to the themes of natural disasters and humans wrongdoings. For example: when Candide was reunited Pangloss, who had contracted with syphilis from Paquette, Candide asked him if the devil was at fault. Pangloss responds, “the disease was a necessity in this "the best of all possible worlds", for it was brought to Europe by Columbus’ men, who also brought chocolate and cochineal, two greater goods that well offset any negative effects of the disease.” He believes that the disease he caught happened for the best. This proves that he is blinded in his theory, which prevents him to see the reality. Candide faced several misery such as losing his beloved, losing his dear friend Jacques, and coming across people who has only faced misery in their lives. Cacambo asked Candide, “What is optimism?” Candide replied "Alas…it is a mania for saying things are well when one is in hell." Candide begins to realize that Pangloss’ philosophy is invalid. Cacambo and Candide becomes good acquaintances. Many times, Candide mentions about question Pangloss about his philosophy if he were alive (chapter