All the indifferent optimism actually had the an opposite effect on him. Candide was Voltaire's way of expressing his points of view. His ridicule of optimism is shown throughout the novel, but most noticeably in the character of Pangloss the philosopher. Pangloss with his overwhelming optimism make an impression on the reader immediately. His logic is so one sided that he comes across as an arrant half-wit. He gives question to the fact that noses are shaped the way they are because glasses need to fit it. He even goes so far as to suggest that the syphilis he is infected with is a blessing because the disease is accompanied with the discovery of chocolate and the New World. Also, he sees himself being burnt at the stake and being chained in a boat as good things. However, the real mocking of the whole European fixation with Leibnizian optimism does not rest in Pangloss" ignorance, but in the other characters reactions to Pangloss. With such absurd logic, one would think his fellow citizens would mock Pangloss. However, the opposite is true. Pangloss is called the "the most profound metaphysician in Germany," and is highly respected. This is a very deliberate attack on Leibniz and his followers. Voltaire makes sure to dismantle every aspect of Leibniz's rationale. The novel is stacked with death and cruelty. There are several murders, a reference of buttocks being used as food, rape, greed, captivity, and brutality. Voltaire is asking optimists to explain how "everything is for the best" in the world. . Although the ridicule of optimism is the main theme of Candide, Voltaire made sure he belittled aristocratic snobbery as well. He does this with the help of Cunegund's family and Don Fernando. The start of all of Candide's crazy paths taken is a direct result of being discarded by Cunegund's .
McDonald 3.
father. Her father, the baron, see them kiss, and is so disgusted because someone from a lower class should not dare pursue his noble daughter.
