It is also a term that describes the latter period of the Renaissance in literature, wherein the authors of the day were able to engage in subjects that heretofore had been completely disallowed. This is not to say that Voltaire and others of that time were not censured or sanctioned for their opinions, Voltaire had many of his writings banned and he, himself was exiled for publishing an opinion against the ruling powers of the day.

Voltaire was a pragmatist in his own relationships with women, finding love in the unconventional ties outside of his own marriage, however, not necessarily of his lovers'. He was a man who found deep and lasting love within these unconventional relationships and his writings reflect

For the society that was the contemporaries of Voltaire, this was bold and provocative language and visual aspects. The gist of the scene, however, is held within the words that Cunegonde utters upon completion of the first part of her narrative: " A woman of honour can be ravished once, but the experience is a tonic for her virtue." (chapter 8, p. 41). Again, Voltaire is going against convention by showing pity and, or, compassion to a woman who has 'lost' her virtue, though it be no fault of her own. Much like Beroul, Voltaire has integrated the rich emotional content of the romantic with the realism and social commentary of the enlightenment. He does so in a manner that is engaging and does not discredit the character, at least from the viewpoint of today. At the time it was first published Candide was considered scandalous.

A great lout of a Bulgar, six foot tall, noticed that I had fainted at the sight of this butchery, and set about ravishing me. That was enough to bring me round. I recovered my senses and cried for help, struggling, biting, and scratching as hard as I could. I wanted to tear the fellow's eyes out. You see, I didn't appreciate that what was happening in my father's house was in no way unusual. The brute gave me a wound in my left thigh, and I still bear the scar."(chapter 8, p. 40-41).

The evil that is portrayed is in the person of Cunegonde's brother, who opposes the marriage simply on the grounds that Candide is a commoner, despite the fact that Candide has saved all of their lives, provides the wherewithal for daily living and has become the most influential of the companions. The issues of sexual conduct, romantic love and duty to an oath take secondary position to the satire of the insistence of the aristocracy that they are superior, regardless of proof to the contrary.

Before one begins to believe that Voltaire was a man who merely took advantage of the layers of intrigue prevalent in French society, a careful reading of the conclusion of

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Approximate Word count = 1349
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)