Interpretation of Three Themes of the Enlightenment

A detailed Summary of Interpretation of Three Themes of the Enlightenment

Voltaire's Candide is a satire of many of the ideas that controlled the lives of men during

the Enlightenment. Though it is thought to be one of the Enlightenment's greatest texts, it

establishes that the Enlightenment was not concrete. Using unique and interesting

characters, Voltaire personified and criticized many social problems of the day including

the Clergy and organized religion, the Nobility and Philosophy.

The Enlightenment, climaxing in the eighteenth century, caused many to criticize

social conditions and traditions. Enlightenment philosophers directed much of their

attention toward the aristocracy and the church. Voltaire used Candide to illustrate the

foremost matters of the Enlightenment as well as criticize the movement itself. It criticizes

the philosophy that rational thought can stop the pervasiveness of human evil. In Candide,

Voltaire illustrates that society can and should be changed for the better.

Beginning in Chapter I, Voltaire's satire mocks the pretentiousness of the nobility.

Candide's benefactor and uncle, the Baron of Thunder-ten-trockh, is wasteful and served

by others. His only justification for his status is "birth." This character criticizes the

The Commandant is also an example of aristocratic arrogance. He welcomes

living for themselves. Each develops a particular skill which they can use to better their

Pacquette alone sheds bad light on the clergy. A man joins a monastery to contemplate

reveals his intentions to marry Cunegonde the Commandant explodes with rage. He argues

life? Being forced into the monastery by his parents caused him to hate his profession.

sends Candide away in order to better his position with her.

Pacquette's story criticizes the Church as well. Pacquette has been taken advantage

cousin, himself is a mockery of the Church. His entry into the Jesuit order occurred

Approximate Word count = 1742
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Religion

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