Candide And Examples Of Antithesis In Literature

Candide, written by Voltaire, delineates the eventful explorations and experiences of Candide and other characters. On a more subliminal note, the novella serves to satirize the concepts of optimism and speculative philosophy in the 18th century. One internal conflict in Candide that occurs repeatedly is Candide’s inability to reconcile the beliefs of Pangloss with the beliefs of Martin and other characters. Voltaire cleverly develops this conflict using several literary techniques such as parody and antithesis.

Voltaire uses Pangloss’s character to serve as a parody of Leibniz’s beliefs. Pangloss is very irrational in his thinking. One such example is the storm near Lisbon. Pangloss prevents Candide from rescuing another man on the ship. He justifies himself by stating that the storm happened for the sole reason to drown the man. Moreover, after the earthquake in Lisbon, Pangloss also justifies the natural disaster by claiming that it happened for the best. Instead of emotionally comforting those who were affected, Pangloss provides an empty-hearted justification. Leibniz’s and other similar philosopher’s beliefs are parodied in this sense to reveal the extent of their foolishness.

In addition, Pangloss is the antithesis of the other characters in Candide, such as the Old Woman or Martin. Pangloss’s severe optimism contrasts with the Old Woman’s and Martin’s pessimistic views. This inner conflict of Candide to come in terms with his own beliefs is what affects his experiences throughout the novella. Martin’s pessimism is clearly evident during the voyage he and Candide take to France. Martin claims that the devil resides in everyone and that the world drives people mad. Even in the last chapter, Martin asserts that hard work and diligence is the only way for the world to be bearable. Here, it is blatantly evident that Martin and Pangloss are the antithesis of each other. In the first half of the novel, we can see Candide trying to affirm the beliefs of Pangloss. He tries to believe in the good of things. However, this turns out to be very short-term. Soon after leaving El Dorado, he comes into contact with the evil slave owner who also steals his sheep. Later, he meets Martin who brings forth his feelings of pessimism. Thus, his optimism seems to peak at El Dorado and then continues to diminish after meeting the slave owner and Martin. This antithesis between the two characters is employed by Voltaire to emphasize his own philosophical views.

In conclusion, Candide’s inner dilemma of understanding and interpreting the different viewpoints of his friends seems to be the most important conflict. His conflict voices the opinions and beliefs of Voltaire. In the larger context, Voltaire uses Pangloss’s dialogue as a means of satirizing Leibniz’s theories. Thus, Pangloss is a parody of Leibniz and other similar minded philosophers. On the other hand, Pangloss is the antithesis of Martin. These two characters foil each other and present a conflict to Candide. Perhaps, then, Candide’s internal struggle of listening to one’s voice over another is what carries him throughout his travels all over the world.