Satire is defined as a literary work in which human vice or folly is attacked through irony, derision, or wit. Voltaire, George Orwell and Charles Dickens used satire to provide a humorous perspective to the social, political and ideological views of their times. Candide by Voltaire, Animal Farm by George Orwell, and Hard Times by Charles Dickens are very successful in using satire to show the flaws of each era's current views. Voltaire, Orwell, and Dickens use different forms of satire to make their points. Voltaire and Dickens are very extreme with their depiction of satire, while Orwell uses a fable to soften his view. These three authors do a great job of using themes, characters, and style to satirically show the grey areas of their era.
In the novel Candide, Voltaire cleverly uses the main components of satire. His method of using satire to critique both political and religious ideologies are extreme however quite successful in portraying flaws.
Orwell, Vermont
Orwell, Vermont
This engraving is from Voltaire's Candide: it depi...Voltaire pointed out the folly in philosophical religion and optimism in his book Candide. He showed that religion and philosophical optimism are pointless.
Candide is the story of a young man's life adventures throughout the world, where he is subjected to evil and disaster. Pangloss, a mentor to Candide, teaches him that all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds. Voltaire did not believe that what happens in the world is always for the best. Voltaire shows us the inhumanities of man through social interaction and war. He over exaggerates the wrongs of medieval people. His thoughts are exaggerated but valid.
Voltaire showed many original ideas in his novel. He confronted major philosophical issues by camouflaging them with humour. The attack on the claim that this is "the best of all possible worlds" is exhibited throughout...