Introduction to Candide, by Voltaire
Please read the following information and annotate anything you find noteworthy or worth dissecting. Please bring these to our next class.
INTRODUCTION
Candide; ou, L'optimisme (1759) is one of Voltaire's later works, and is acknowledged as one of his most incisive satires on the state of the world. Voltaire composed this novella following two devastating earthquakes in Lima and Lisbon during the 1740s and 1750s, and in response to the optimistic and benevolent philosophy espoused by such intellectuals of the age as Leibniz, Bolingbroke, and Shaftesbury. In the novel, Voltaire attacks the theory of Optimism, using irony, wit, and sarcasm to arouse his readers into considering some of the most significant intellectual issues of the time, such as God's role in the world and its events, and the apparent randomness of metaphysical events.
Major Themes
Although the narrative and action of Candide is often playful and full of action, the theme of human suffering, happiness, and the role of providence is a constant and consistent presence in the story. In fact, critics have remarked that in using a tale of human suffering and irony, Voltaire uses the story of Candide and his friends to jolt his readers into considering of the role of God in world events. Voltaire despised organized religion, and many of the ideas developed in Candide were expanded upon in his later works. There are many biblical and mythical allusions in the work, including several references to the Garden of Eden and the New Testament. In using these metaphors, writes Clifton Cherpak, Voltaire uses aspects of comedy to poke fun at those who use grand philosophical theories to explain human suffering.
Critical Reception
Critical studies of Candide have focused on the relationship between the structure and thematic intent of the novella. For example, I. O. Wade remarks that Voltaire uses subjects and verbs very effectively in this work to modify and expand the meaning of the text. This technique of expansion, according to Wade, creates a large horizon of time and space in which to consider the tale of Candide and his partners. In his study of the style and narrative techniques employed by Voltaire in Candide, William F. Bottiglia writes that the diction in the work is a “vehicle of sustained symbolism.” The critic notes that it is impossible to summarize clearly the stylistic and narrative technique of the novella because the entire work operates as an extended metaphor accompanied and supported by its verbal text. Bottiglia also lauds the depth and scope of the subject matter handled by Voltaire in a text the size of Candide. In his evaluation of the novella, Haydn Mason pronounces that Candide has many timeless aspects. Yet he is appreciative of the topicality of the work, which he feels rests firmly in the era in which it was created. According to Mason, it was Voltaire's concern with the world around him that prompted him to write Candide, and its grounding in the physical and political reality of Voltaire's time is part of its power and influence.
Names
Voltaire uses clever names to make further commentary on his characters. You’ve got "Pangloss" meaning "all-tongue" for the blabbing philosopher, "Candide" from the Latin candidus ("white") for the pure and innocent protagonist, and "Pococurante" ("caring very little") for the apathetic rich man. Other characters’ names highlight to the reader that people are often defined by their qualities. The Old Woman, for example, is seen only as being old and a woman. James is never seen as James, but as James the Anabaptist. Minor characters such as the Inquisitor and the Abbé, further exemplify this tool.
Speech and Dialogue
Long Winded: Dr. Pangloss
Dr. Pangloss’s frequent long-winded monologues draw attention to his tendency to philosophize at inappropriate times. As Candide lies under a pile of trash after the Lisbon earthquake, begging for help, Pangloss speaks at length about the nature of earthquakes, even analyzing the philosophical ramifications of his geological observations. Not only does Pangloss talk a lot, but he rambles in an unfittingly lofty tone, using phrases such as "the concussion of the earth" when what the guy really means is earthquake (5.9).
Succinct: Martin
Although Martin, like Pangloss, has an extreme worldview, he is succinct in his speech and talks less frequently than his friends. He tends to remain quiet unless directly addressed or unless his intervention is necessary to prevent catastrophe. His reserved speech reflects that he is level-headed and consistently unsurprised at the generally unnerving events around him.
Naïve, Curious: Candide
Candide’s speech reveals his constant surprise at the events unfolding around him. He asks more questions than any other character and never fails to express disbelief. Like Pangloss, he is prone to distraction. As such, his speech tends to ramble into tangents, and is often unrelated to the current circumstance.
Confident, Knowledgeable: Cacambo and the Old Woman
Both Cacambo and the Old Woman are experienced and knowledgeable; this is reflected in their speech. Cacambo and the Old Woman speak with authority. They lead those around them by instructing their companions, warding off danger, and offering advice. Cacambo’s ability to communicate in several languages is also significant in preventing additional disaster.
Please take some time to research a few interesting facts about Voltaire. Write them down on these notes and be ready to discuss them next class.