The roles of faith and suffering, in terms of a belief system, whether it be religious or not, are sometimes viewed as being fused together; one cannot have faith without suffering, and yet cannot endure suffering without faith. In Voltaire’s Candide, set in the 18th century, the main character Candide, serves as an example of the mentality associated with how strange, and sometimes disheartening, the human pathology of thought can become. Throughout many everyday experiences—both good and bad, major obstacles, and near fatal encounters, Candide remains steadfast in his own version of Christian faith and perseverance.
Motivated By Unrequited Love
Though one may find it odd, the driving force that keeps Candide alive, and motivated, is the unrequited love of a woman. He has been witness to many misfortunes, and circumstances, in which Cunegonde has shown that she is more superficial than Candide, or any of the other characters, would have thought her to be. When the line is drawn and Cunegonde must choose to stay by Candide’s side, and risk possible physical and psychological misfortune, or leave, she chooses to leave his side and seek protection from a man whom she hardly knows.
The only thing that justifies Cunegonde’s decisions, in her mind, is the material aspects and her emotional and physical well-being. Another aspect that is influential, becomes her watching out for Candide’s fate by allowing him the opportunity to escape a detrimental situation. Despite her behaviors, Candide is convinced that she actually means the opposite of her actions, and that when he finds her again, things will return to the way they were before. He does not understand that he must have faith in himself, and not in what could be.
Philosophy of Pangloss
Candide follows the philosophy of his beloved Pangloss. Pangloss believes, and teaches, that everything is good and meant to happen for the good and well-being of others. Whatever disaster, plague, economic upheaval, or act of man that may prove to be damaging, he believes that it is for the good of all and no one should question.
However, when Candide suddenly finds himself alone and amongst strangers, he begins to rethink the whole philosophy that he has been taught. Candide addresses the many situations in which he’s been involved, witnessed, and inadvertently caused, and he begins to question what kind of faith he is sustaining. Somehow, the thought of going and retrieving his lost love is the only thing to which he clings.
Religious Fads and Conformity
Candide’s behavior in some respects shows the audience his position on fad religious activities, as well as his views on conforming to social norms in order to be accepted; an example being, when Candide became ill while in the presence of Martin. Voltaire illustrates that nurses, a priest, and others were present and they allegedly made Candide’s symptoms intensify and increase in severity.
Indulgences are mentioned as the new fad, and that Candide should take part, or Martin should on Candide’s behalf. Candide openly shows that he thinks the idea to be nonsense, and the nurse’s explanation doesn’t help to convince him. When she says that it is the latest thing, Candide expresses that he will do no such thing. Voltaire paints Candide’s character as one who, although he may be ignorant about some things, he is not a fool. He is able to use what common sense he has to know when he is being taken for a ride.
Candide’s Beliefs
Throughout Voltaire’s work, Candide develops his own belief system, and, in a sense, it becomes his matter of religion. He implements the lessons he learned from Pangloss and fuses his lessons to fit all he has been taught; until he discovers that maybe Pangloss didn’t have a full picture of life, and how it could be.
Whatever the case, Candide exhibits definite behaviors associated with the matters of faith, along with how far the human heart, and mind, will go to justify things in order to alleviate suffering. The convictions that Candide clings to may not be found in mainstream thought, but to him such motivations are real enough to keep him strong.
Distinctions Between the Roles of Faith and Suffering
A clear distinction between the roles of faith and suffering can be made with regard to religion, political thought, and social norms both in Voltaire’s time, as well as, today. The behaviors that Candide exhibits are not too different from those of some people in modern times. Many organizations today teach a variation of the ideology of Pangloss, as well as the mindset that Candide adopts after his worldly experiences. Everything happens for the good of the people, although when someone is tested too much, or too harshly, that type of faith is too difficult to sustain.
No matter how naïve, or inane Candide may seem at times, he has the right idea of not getting too caught up in any one taught mindset. He makes up his own mind, and does it in such a way that is able to sustain him, and allows him to move further on his own life’s path.
