... of "pure optimism" in which people live in the "best of all possible worlds where every event is for the best". Many people use this line of thinking to justify why a benevolent God would create a world which contained so much evil. Voltaire's experiences and the examination of the cruel world ... the incredible amount of misfortune that is suffered by every character in the story, Pangloss maintains his optimistic position while trying to defend it with illogical reasoning, that more often than not, is comical. He and Candide become victims of the inquisition and almost die. Everything...

• Word Count: 1386
• Approx Pages: 6

... and pure reason. In Candide, Voltaire used the character of Candide to embody the enlightened perspective, as he is born into a feudal society and travels the world making observations and reasoning about what he sees. In fact even the name "Candide" suggests that he says what he thinks and hides nothing, despite what the noble teachings may be. "You could read ... would state that "Things cannot be other than they are, for since everything is made for a purpose, it follows that everything is made for the best purpose." (Voltaire, 20) This line of thinking discouraged the working classe...

• Word Count: 934
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School