The Enlightenment Philosophy In Voltaire's 'Candide'

Without careful scrutiny, the story of Candide appears no more than an average tale of an average man in search of fulfillment. In the absence of historical context, the eloquence of Voltaire’s words carry little substance and his vivid description remains empty. While the story of Candide is itself captivating, the work carries a far deeper significance. Candide primarily serves to reveal Voltaire’s Enlightenment philosophies through the satire of numerous 18th century institutions and realities. It reinforces concepts such as religious skepticism, cultural relativism, and secular thought. Voltaire ultimately addressees the reality of human existence and the path to fulfillment. Candide is a fitting Enlightenment doctrine in the context of an increasingly global and secular 18th century world (Spielvogel, 2010).
Initially Voltaire portrays his handsome and intelligent protagonist as somewhat of a blank slate. Voltaire writes, “His countenance was a true picture of his soul. He combined a true judgement with simplicity of spirit…” (Voltaire, 1918). In this passage, Voltaire paints Candide as an innocent and morally sound individual, however, it remains apparent that Candide lacks experience of the outside world. This blank slate theory or tabula rasa dictates that people are born without any knowledge, ability, or tendency - which they later gain through experience and exposure (tabula rasa, 2015). Such is an initial example of Enlightenment era theory within Candide.
In the earlier pages of the epic, Voltaire introduces the reader to the primary love interest of Candide. Cunegonde, the daughter of a powerful baroness, emerges quickly as the soul object of Candide’s affection. Candide’s love for her marks the beginning of his epic journey and Cunegonde serves as a primary driver of the