How are Voltaires views expressed in Candide?
Pangloss is meant not to attack Leibniz, but rather optimism as a philosophy. Thus the reader cannot forget that all of Pangloss’s ramblings in some way represent an often-humorous characterization of the “typical” Optimist, or Leibniz follower. Pangloss, writes Voltaire, “Proved admirably that there cannot possibly be an effect without a cause, and that in this best of all possible worlds, the Baron’s castle was the most beautiful of all castles, and his wife the best of all possible baronesses” (319). Thus Voltaire establishes Pangloss as the champion of optimism. Yet just as quickly, Voltaire points out the absurdity of this doctrine. “Observe,” says Pangloss, seeking to demonstrate that everything has a cause and effect, “noses were made to support spectacles, hence we have spectacles. Legs, as anyone can plainly see, were made to be breeched, and so we have breeches” (319). The sheer stupidity of these illogical conclusions will likely put a smile on the reader’s face, and points
