A Journey Into Satire

Having only read the beginning, Candide seams to be a masterpiece. The heavy use of satire, puns, and philosophy makes this a quite different one. Even though the strength of Voltaire is writing, his ability to create a great story is constantly undermined.

“He lay down for the night in the furrow of a ploughed field with snow falling in thick flakes…” (Pg, 22)

The idea of a young philosopher and his adventures shows the great knowledge Voltaire holds. Candide’s banishing, his desertion of the Bulgars, and his adventures in the city are all parts of typical story. The author uses this stereotype story and molds it into a masterpiece by introducing satire and philosophy that categorizes his style. The abuses of double meanings make the story at the will of reader. Depending on the level of understanding by the reader, the story can be quite different. We can see how a naïve audience might find themselves confused when the author uses the many meanings of both phrases and words. “…when she saw Dr. Pangloss behind some bushes giving a lesson on experimental physics to her mother’s waiting woman,” (pg. 21)

The author’s style stands out when he combines the plot with philosophical ideals, which enrich the novel. The way the author is able to combine these huge ideals into the plot is brilliant. “’ Free Will is consistent with Absolute necessity, for it was ordained that we should be free…’” The fusion of a concept like liberty in simple “chit chat” between characters creates an insight to a complex plot to come.

Voltaire is a great into hiding his opinion in the plot. Although no text can be completely unbiased, the French philosopher makes it seam like so. “She was infected, and now perhaps she is dead. Paquette was given this present by a learned Franciscan, who had traced it back to its source.” The description Pangloss is giving hides Voltaire’s controversial opinion. It is very clear that Candide’s teacher has come kind of STD that had been passed down by people in high office and religious figures. “...and he had received it from a Jesuit…”. This extremely controversial story appears like your average novel of a young man and his adventures. With a great story just beginning, I look forward to gaining the true meaning of this satirical masterpiece.