An Analysis
In all of human history, no period has been as transformative in terms of political, economic, and social thought than the tumultuous 18th century. During this time, the Frenchman François-Marie Arouet, known commonly by his pen name of ‘Voltaire’, wrote “Candide”. This satirical commentary on the state of affairs around the globe and within France itself has continued to incite debate and discussion on its true nature up to the present day. Two such viewpoints, outlined in “Jews in Voltaire’s Candide” by Arthur Scherr and “Cosmopolitans, Slaves, and the Global Market in Voltaire’s Candide, ou l’optimisme” by Ingvild Hagen Kjørholt, look to shed a light on the piece. Scherr, in his work, states that although Voltaire had represented …show more content…
Citing it as a perpetually ritualistic and superstitious institution, Voltaire wasted no time in ensuring that it appeared just the same in Candide. Although far less scathing than his attacks against Christendom, Voltaire did in fact ridicule his contemporary Jews within Candide. Viewing both religions as a perversion of morality and a mere means to use the corrupted nature of man for monetary benefit, Voltaire highlighted many of their worst traits within the work, avarice, pride, hypocrisy, and a wanton attitude towards human suffering. Scherr, although acknowledging that Voltaire was most likely an Anti-Semite, also argues that Voltaire represents Jews are more sympathetic and human characters. These interpretations, however, are indeed relative. Don Isaacar, the Jewish merchant who purchases Cunegonde and forced her to live with him. Although he perpetuates the system of slavery, Isaacar according to Scherr, is far less wicked than the likes of the Grand Inquisitor, a man who virtually embodies all that is wrong with the Catholic Church, according to Voltaire. Cunegonde describes Isacaar as a generally benign master, “Although she is virtually Issacar's slave, so far as we are told he treats her well and does not sexually abuse her “(Scherr). His superstitions as to the nature of the Lisbon earthquake which results in the burning of two innocent men. Meanwhile, …show more content…
For Kjørholt, the ultimate power in Voltaire’s world is the emerging economic order built upon free trade and the exchange of goods from the Old World and New World. This economic system ensures that colonial empires such as Britain and France are properly funded and maintained, fights the foreign wars of attrition over said trade routes, and then rebuilds upon the backs of African Slaves. Real power, according to Kjørholt, is the single greatest way to achieve power. Through strict monopolizing on different stretchers allowed for the players involved, whether they be Jews, Christians, or Muslims, to reach equitable deals that benefit each party, regardless of personal beliefs. Power over others, in the form of slavery, is also a broad theme in Candide. Through a great deal of struggling, nearly each major character could recall a significant encounter with slavery. Candide himself has a conversation in the Dutch colony of Suriname with a nameless, crippled slave who has been savagely mauled by his master. The slavery itself, the ownership of human beings, is a form of power that has existed for thousands of years. It dehumanizes an individual, often taking their names and identities, and instead brands them as workers, mere beasts of burden. While not encountering such horrific treatment, Cunegonde also existed in a state of slavery, as two men vied for
In all of human history, no period has been as transformative in terms of political, economic, and social thought than the tumultuous 18th century. During this time, the Frenchman François-Marie Arouet, known commonly by his pen name of ‘Voltaire’, wrote “Candide”. This satirical commentary on the state of affairs around the globe and within France itself has continued to incite debate and discussion on its true nature up to the present day. Two such viewpoints, outlined in “Jews in Voltaire’s Candide” by Arthur Scherr and “Cosmopolitans, Slaves, and the Global Market in Voltaire’s Candide, ou l’optimisme” by Ingvild Hagen Kjørholt, look to shed a light on the piece. Scherr, in his work, states that although Voltaire had represented …show more content…
Citing it as a perpetually ritualistic and superstitious institution, Voltaire wasted no time in ensuring that it appeared just the same in Candide. Although far less scathing than his attacks against Christendom, Voltaire did in fact ridicule his contemporary Jews within Candide. Viewing both religions as a perversion of morality and a mere means to use the corrupted nature of man for monetary benefit, Voltaire highlighted many of their worst traits within the work, avarice, pride, hypocrisy, and a wanton attitude towards human suffering. Scherr, although acknowledging that Voltaire was most likely an Anti-Semite, also argues that Voltaire represents Jews are more sympathetic and human characters. These interpretations, however, are indeed relative. Don Isaacar, the Jewish merchant who purchases Cunegonde and forced her to live with him. Although he perpetuates the system of slavery, Isaacar according to Scherr, is far less wicked than the likes of the Grand Inquisitor, a man who virtually embodies all that is wrong with the Catholic Church, according to Voltaire. Cunegonde describes Isacaar as a generally benign master, “Although she is virtually Issacar's slave, so far as we are told he treats her well and does not sexually abuse her “(Scherr). His superstitions as to the nature of the Lisbon earthquake which results in the burning of two innocent men. Meanwhile, …show more content…
For Kjørholt, the ultimate power in Voltaire’s world is the emerging economic order built upon free trade and the exchange of goods from the Old World and New World. This economic system ensures that colonial empires such as Britain and France are properly funded and maintained, fights the foreign wars of attrition over said trade routes, and then rebuilds upon the backs of African Slaves. Real power, according to Kjørholt, is the single greatest way to achieve power. Through strict monopolizing on different stretchers allowed for the players involved, whether they be Jews, Christians, or Muslims, to reach equitable deals that benefit each party, regardless of personal beliefs. Power over others, in the form of slavery, is also a broad theme in Candide. Through a great deal of struggling, nearly each major character could recall a significant encounter with slavery. Candide himself has a conversation in the Dutch colony of Suriname with a nameless, crippled slave who has been savagely mauled by his master. The slavery itself, the ownership of human beings, is a form of power that has existed for thousands of years. It dehumanizes an individual, often taking their names and identities, and instead brands them as workers, mere beasts of burden. While not encountering such horrific treatment, Cunegonde also existed in a state of slavery, as two men vied for