Candide and Zadig

By Voltaire

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Description: Candide and an earlier work of Voltaire's, *Zadig*, are two of the "Contes philosophiques" which are essentially a product of the eighteenth century -- a narrative form which utilizes an imaginary trip or an Oriental theme. Many of these contes, which were used to criticize or satirize abuses of the time, are without merit, but in the hands of writers such as Voltaire, they become a potent weapon. *Zadig*, while not enjoying the fame of *Candide*, is nevertheless the best of Voltaire's earlier efforts in this field. Zadig examines the mystery of human happiness and finds it all too ephemeral for his liking. For Zadig we can usually substitute the name of his creator, for, like Voltaire, Zadig tries to live according to the precepts of rationalism, and, like Voltaire, often reaps a harvest of thorns and brambles. Foremost among the banes of Zadig's existence are, of course, the theologians, and Voltaire made the most of his opportunities in lampooning them -- in particular, the Bishop of Mirepoix. It is in the passages that hold these theologians up to ridicule that we see Voltaire at his cutting best -- and this was to be repeated with great success at a later date in *Candide*. *Candide* is a real masterpiece, although it seems to have been written in great haste. On the surface, it appears to be a simple story, but all manner of wit, irony, and inference lurks underneath.