The Novel Candide and Its Paradox - Essay Example

Candide Paradox Candide Questions Question The novel Candide is arguably a contradictory or paradoxical book. The main theme is education and enlightenment but at the same, it is critical of philosophy as reflected in the presentation of Pangloss and his fate. Such satire makes one wonder how the author aims to educate the readers. For instance, in chapter four, Candide is roaming and comes across a sick man who happens to be Pangloss. The philosopher is suffering from syphilis and the two shares an emotional reunion.

However, in his thoughts, Candide begins to question whether this is the best of the worlds. On the hand, Pangloss tries to come up with a philosophical fallacy to justify his suffering. The suffering of Pangloss is a lesson that no matter how educated and optimistic we are, irresponsible behavior has its repercussions. It is paradoxical for Pangloss, the person who is supposed to be an example of how education and enlightenment have benefits end up infected with syphilis. Pangloss should have invented a theory to avoid contracting such diseases instead he focuses on insinuating that his predicament is an outcome of his good deeds.

The philosophy of optimism and that of reality and nature are in play in this chapter. Despite Pangloss's positive attitude, it is a fact that he is suffering and that’s the reality. In this chapter, we learn that no matter how educated and enlightened we are, the reality of discipline is inevitable otherwise we will pay the price. Although Pangloss is a great philosopher, his irresponsible sexual behavior evidenced by syphilis diminishes his credibility. The unexpected is that the people who are in the limelight have a weakness that puts their integrity in question.

However, we learn both from his success and failure (Voltaire). Question 2 Voltaire is critical and satirical about religion as reflected by the religious characters he portrays. The leaders of religious organizations are presented as corrupt and hypocritical. The pope who is supposed to be celibate has a daughter that is against the doctrine they teach. There is a Catholic Inquisitor who keeps a mistress displaying hypocrisy as these people claim to advocate for high moral standards and integrity.

Another case is that of a Franciscan who takes an oath of poverty yet he is a jewel thief which is contrary to the vow. The hypocrisy of all is portrayed when a Jesuit Colonel has elements of homosexuality. All these cases show how the leaders did not practice what they were teaching to their followers. In addition, leaders oppress their followers, especially those who challenge their behaviors. A classic case is when Pangloss is persecuted by the Inquisition for expressing his thoughts and Candide for listening to the ideas of Pangloss.

Voltaire’s characters display the rot of immorality and hypocrisy in religious leaders and extents to indicate his attitude toward religion. However, Voltaire tends to be specifically critical of the leaders and not necessarily the followers. Jacques is a religious person and a member of Anabaptists; a radical Protestant group that Voltaire portrays as one of the generous and kind-hearted characters in his novel Candide (Voltaire).