Candide Essay Outline

Thesis: The optimistic view that Pangloss believes in is a more pleasant and favorable view on life, however, it is not realistic or rational, compared to Martin's pessimistic view which is much more logical and not based on religious faith or belief.

I. Even though Pangloss's view on life is more pleasant and likable, it is too good to be true, and is also based upon his religious views also, which cannot be relied upon.

A. Pangloss believes that this world is the best possible world, and therefore everything that happens is the best. Whenever a something dreadful happens in the story, Pangloss simply relies on his belief that something worse could have happened.

B. Pangloss believes in this philosophy only because he believes that it matches with his religious faith, and holds to it no matter the situation.

C. The way that Pangloss supports his view to certain points can almost be seen as pure ignorance at times, completely denying truths, and just believing in his own view.

II. Martin represents the opposite view of Pangloss, and of Voltaire also, a view based more on logic and reasoning, rather that faith.

A. Martin is more of a realist, with a view that is much more closely to the way the world works, however, it is still not as pleasant as Pangloss's.

B. Whenever a situation where Pangloss's view is presented, Martin is quick to retort it, such as when a thief's boat sinks, that the passengers were doomed also.

C. Martin tries to stay unbiased in his views, and is also more knowledgeable than the others in the story, giving his views much more validity.

III. Candide is presented both of these views in this story, and is strong in believing in Pangloss's ideals, but eventually he begins to doubt them.

A. Candide has been exposed to Pangloss's beliefs throughout his life, and even after they are separated, he remembers this view, and applies it to the situations he is in.

B. After Candide has been exposed to the many horrors in his life, he is no longer sure that Pangloss's view is the correct view, specifically when he encounters the slave with the amputated leg.

C. Even at the end of the novel, the result is not favorable, with Candide losing all of his money, Cunegonde is now ugly, and things are worse than the were at the beginning, with much more favorable outcomes that could have resulted.