Candide Outline

Thesis: Martin's realistic point of view is much more effective than Pangloss's optimistic point of view because it is based off of real experiences and offers a logical explanation for why Candide went through so many terrible experiences; it is the more realistic definition of the world, and can apply anywhere.

1. Martin leaves his idea open for interpretation, and he even varies his thinking a little bit in each challenge that they face. 
1. Pangloss's answer to the reason for everything is exactly the same; it is the best thing that could happen- and he does not leave this open for debate.  
2. Everything that happened to Candide was not for the best; it was just tragic experience after tragic experience, and things could have, in fact, been much better, but they just led to more bad things. 
1. All that he went through with Pangloss just lead to the death of Pangloss. 
2. Pangloss's view does not make the person happier; it only leads them to question God more and become more upset when things do not come out better in the end. 
1. Pangloss says that God makes everything happen for the better. Candide went through terrible things, and while he was with Pangloss, he believed that things would get better. Things did not get better at all; his suffering was only prolonged. 
1. Pangloss would have even believed that his being hanged was for the better. Candide met Martin after Pangloss was hanged, so Candide was able to change his view. 
2. With Martin, he sees everything as though it were created by evil. Because everything that Candide sees is bad, this is a logical explanation, and doesn't leave him hoping for great things at the end of his journey. He is, instead, content. 
1. In the end, he is not rich and living in his own mansion or castle, he is simply safe, and does not have to worry about anything for the time being. Believing in Martin's point of view is what led him to this. 
3. Martin portrays Voltaire's thinking, while Pangloss is a portrayal of Liebniz. 
1. In Voltaire's time, most people thought in the way of Liebniz. Voltaire knew that this was not right, and he wrote this book to share his view. 
2. Voltaire came up with this new view, which proved him to have a more enlightened mind. It made much more sense and provided more happiness for people overall than Liebniz' view did.