Hyperbolic Characters In Voltaire's 'Candide'

Throughout his writing in Candide, Voltaire offers much commentary on the social structures, ideologies, and events present during his time. Voltaire constructs most of his characters in a highly exaggerated manner, creating highly caricaturized and often-absurd philosophies and viewpoints. Although this play was written in the 18th Century, many of the topics and parodies expressed through the hyperbolic characters are ageless in their applicability to many modern topics. In chapter five particularly, both modern and historical readers are provided with commentary and satire of certain topics and perspectives. Specifically, the lack of contributive action from Dr. Pangloss, Candide, and sailor in the face of adversity provides a demonstration of the dangers of excessive optimism and selfishness. The opening scene of chapter five begins on a ship on its way to Lisbon. In the midst of a furious storm in perilous waters, the passengers run around the ship screaming chaotically. Automatically, Voltaire is using
James, in his attempt to help the Sailor is a reflection of Christian ideals of selflessness and sacrifice. In his exertion to help the Sailor, he is flung off the ship, left to drown in the roaring waters. The sailor, who sees this, does nothing to save him. In contrast to James’ benevolence, the sailor constantly remains self-interested and thus quite destructive. After being one of the three to survive the shipwreck, the Sailor arrives in Lisbon during an earthquake. In this instance he reaps his own benefits from the destruction and rubble of the disaster, as he steals money for alcohol and a prostitute. In the face of destruction, the Sailor reacted most differently than that of any of the other characters in the scene. Due to this, the Sailor is epitomized by greed and serves as another example of life’s harsh