Satire
...e of these is that the religion Tartuffe is peddling is a version of Christianity that the author regards as absurd. The author, Voltaire, uses satire such as optimism in “Candide”. Through these tools, Voltaire proves that greed is a universal vice and usually ends in its own destruction. Voltaire strongly stresses his cynical view throughout the story. In chapter 10, the author uses his philosophical views to show that greed is a devastating factor of society’s corruption. For example: Cunegonde found that someone had stolen her money and jewels. “Who could have stolen my money and diamonds? …. I strongly suspect a reverend Franciscan who slept in the same inn with us last night in Badajoz. “(Pg. 533) Cunegonde was sure that the thief was the reverend. The argument is, how is it that money can make someone so holy and in the same time it’s enough to be corrupted into a sin. Voltaire satirized philosophical optimism. He used the scene where Cunegonde was ready to marry a man for money, but not for love. As Cunegonde tries to think whether or not to marry a man for money, she provided support for Voltaire’s theme of pessimism. There are other example of how Voltaire satires this story. Throughout Candide’s travels, he adheres to the teachings of his tutor, Pangloss, believing that "all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds.” The attack on the claim that this is "the best of all possible worlds" is apparent throughout the entire novel. Throughout the story, satirical references to this theme contrast with natural disaster and human wrongdoing. When reunited with the diseased and dying Pangloss, who had contracted syphilis, Candide asks if the Devil is at fault. Pangloss simply responds that "the disease was a necessity in this 'the best of all possible worlds', for it was brought to Europe by Columbus' men, who also brought chocolate and cochineal, two greater goods that well offset any negative effects of the disease.” The m...