Beginning of Essay
For a reader to have a true understanding of Candide, they must know the purpose of Voltaire’s writing. Voltaire shows the flaws of Leibniz’, a German philosopher of Voltaire’s time, idea that the world they live in is the best of all possible w ....

Middle of Essay
.... cause and hat, in this best of all possible worlds....(1)" Pangloss goes on to say that everything has its purpose and things are made for the best. For example, legs were created for the purpose of wearing stockings (2). Because of his "great knowledge," Candide at this point a very naive and impressionable youth, regards Pangloss as the greatest philosopher in the world, a reverence that will soon be challenged by the harshness of reality. A contrast to the views of Pangloss is the character Martin. Martin, a pessimist, is a friend and advisor to Candide whom he pays to travel with him. Martin continuously tries to prove to Candide that there is l ....