Synthesis of Irrational Logic

As I read these chapters of Voltaire’s Candide I made various connections to background knowledge. Pangloss narrates to Candide how lady Cunegonde was murdered by Bulgars. He mentions she was disemboweled, which reminded me of an xbox game, “dead rising.” One of the techniques you could use to kill zombies was the “disembowel.” Pangloss says, “She was disembowled by Bulgar soldiers after being ravished as much as a poor woman could bear.”(chapter 4, page 31)This connection, made this excerpt of the novel very graphic to me.

Voltaire uses prose as a mean to criticize humanity, doctors and philosophers. He satirizes them by exaggerating their actions regarding an urgent situation. As we recall, “ ‘How can I be cured?’ said pangloss. ‘I haven’t a penny, my dear friend, and there is not a doctor in all this wide world who will bleed you or purge you without a fee’ ”(chapter 4, page 31) It is an evident critic to our society that relays on money. Medicine proves a perfect setting for satire. It is a service that should be granted to the ill but it is actually provided to people that can afford it. Necessity is underestimated for materialism, money a priority and “moral bankruptcy” (Scumbag Billionaire) become reality.

Philosophy and theology are criticized, with characters that contradict their beliefs. The orator, preaches while Candide asks for aid. Instead of providing help to the “needy” he prefers to persuade the audience of his sermon. This is a clear contradiction (irony), because most of the religions encourage kindness among humanity (parable of the Good Samaritan). Pangloss is the stereotypical character of wisdom that proves to fail teachings. Voltaire constantly satirizes his explanation of “universal law”, if we can name it this way. Pangloss repeats in various occasions that “…It is impossible for things not to be where they are, because everything is for the best.” (Chapter 5, page 35) These type of generalizations or statements are very delicate to establish. One can deduct that if Pangloss is able to say state such theory, he must be a wise and educated person. A person that is knowledgeable of various topics. As Voltaire writes, “‘Nothing is more likely,’ said Candide; ‘but oil and wine, for pity’s sake!’” While Pangloss talks about his theory, Candide faints, proving that Pangloss is a man of delayed action. Demonstrating his lack of logic and rational actions rather than the wisdom he presumes to posses.