little problem swallowing the "all is for the best" pill. All the foolish optimism actually had the exactly opposite effect on him, and Candide was his way of expressing his views. His satire of optimism can be seen throughout the book, but most heavily through the character of Pangloss the philosopher. Pangloss and his ludicrous optimism make an impression on the reader immediately and are constantly reinforced throughout the satire. His logic is so flawed that he comes across as an utter imbecile. He suggests that noses are shaped the way they are so that glasses will fit them. He even goes so far as to suggest that the venereal disease he is infected with is a blessing because the disease also is associated with the discovery of chocolate and the New World. He also views himself being burnt at the stake and being chained in a boat good things. However, the real satire poking fun of the whole European fascination with Leibnizian optimism does not lie in Pangloss’ stupidity, but in all the other characters reaction to Pangloss. With such absurd reasoning, one would think his contemporaries would ridicule Pangloss. However, the exact opposite is true. Pangloss is referred to as “the most profound metaphysician in Germany,” and he is highly respected. This is very direct assault at Leibniz and his followers. Voltaire really makes sure he goes out of his way to rip apart every part of Leibniz’s rationale. The book is filled with morbidity and cruelty. There are numerous brutal murders, a mentioning of buttocks being sliced to be eaten, rape, greed, captivity, and savagery. Voltaire is daring optimists to explain how “everything is for the best” in the world he created.Although the satire of optimism is the main focus of Candide, Voltaire did make sure he ridiculed aristocratic snobbery as well. He pokes fun of the aristocrats mainly through Cunegund’s family and Don Fernando. The...
