Pangloss's Philosophy In The Novel 'Candide' By Voltaire

Throughout the novel, there are many events that question Pangloss’s philosophy, these various events help contribute to the Bildungsroman plotline by having Candide mature through his journey. Candide realizes that the world is more than Westphalia, and that Westphalia is not the best place in the world. Candide begins to apprehend that if he wants to live in the best world he must construct it. In the novel Candide by Voltaire, the characters Pangloss,Cacambo, and Martin help contribute to Candide’s growth in different ways, such as Candide being heavily influenced by Pangloss philosophy at the start of the novel. Later, when Candide ventures across the world and meet new people such as Cacambo, and Martin, Candide starts to question his
This philosophy is the only thing that Candide has learned and is accustomed to. How Candide interprets Pangloss philosophy can be compared to a child believing that everything is good in the world. Candide is used to Westphalia and he doesn’t know that they're bigger and better things outside of his hometown. Where as a child is innocent and doesn’t know that bad things happen in the world until they begin to grow up and explore the world. When Candide begins to venture into the world, he encounters many challenges that questions Pangloss’s theory “That all is for the Best”, such as when “ Instantly they fettered him, and carried away to the regiment”. In one of the first places he visits after being banned from Westphalia, Candide is drafted into the Bulgarian army to fight. Later they see Candide as a traitor because he believed “it was a privilege of the human...to make use of their leg.”(Voltaire 12). Candide must face being whipped “six- and-thirty times” or “ twelve balls of lead” to the brain. With these two harsh options Candide starts to realize that his perspective on Pangloss’s philosophy might be wrong. Candide is slowly maturing because he now realizes that he needs to start making decision that are beneficial now instead of making
Cacambo lack of philosophy allows him to avoid many of the misfortunes the other characters face. Cacambo’s character provides a sense of hope for Candide because he remains loyal regardless of the situation. An example of this loyalty can be seen when Candide gives him jewels to buy Cunegonde freedom from the governor of Buenos Aires. Cacambo could have taken all the jewels and left, but he goes through with his promise and frees Cunegonde. Cacambo’s loyalty is significant because it opens Candide’s eyes to the true meaning of life. Cacambo is a very intelligent and faithful person, he knows how to handle a difficult situation, and most importantly, he doesn’t try to find meaning in life, he just lives his life the best he can. With his new found discovery of the meaning of life, Candide has now-found his place in