Candide, written by Voltaire, is a masterpiece which uses satire heavily to influence the reader. Through the novel, Voltaire points out flaws in society and their consequences. Voltaire criticizes everyone he speaks out against, without fear of rebuke. By using extensive satire, Voltaire successfully manages to change the viewpoints of the reader in two areas: blind optimism, and mans cruel and inhuman nature. .
At the time Candide was written, many believed in the Leibniz optimism theory, which states the apparent imperfections of the world are justified because they are optimal of all possible worlds. This theory basically states no evil exists in the world, which to Voltaire was not true. Pangloss, Candides tutor and mentor in the novel was created to serve as an example of how ridiculously flawed this reasoning is. In the beginning of Candide, Pangloss states, it is demonstrable that things cannot be otherwise than as they are; for as all things have been created for some end, they must necessarily be created for the best end (Voltaire 1). Just a little farther on in the novel, the reader sees another example of this reasoning, when Candide finds Pangloss homeless and affected by syphilis. Pangloss doggedly holds onto his optimism, proclaiming, it was a thing unavoidable, a necessary ingredient in the best of worlds; for if Columbus had not caught in an island in America this disease, we should have had neither chocolate nor cochineal (8). Pangloss continues to make feeble attempts to explain the events happening to him, for example, for the earthquake at Lisbon, Panglosss reasoning is, For all that is is for the best. If there is a volcano at Lisbon it cannot be elsewhere (11). Through the character of Pangloss, Voltaire hoped his readers would understand the flawed nature of the Leibniz theory. By using a character such as Pangloss, Voltaire makes it easier for the reader to understand the consequences of blind optimism and disregard of evil in the world.