Voltaire’s Candide Thesis: The story of Candide deals with irrational ideas taught to Candide about being optimistic, versus reality as seen by the rest of the world. I. Optimism – Overwhelming theme A. Candide learns optimism B. Pangloss as a very hopeful character C. Twist in the themes of the story II. Contrast within the Story A. Martin as a pessimist B. Effects of the optimism on Candide C. Voltaire’s view of Pangloss Conclusion: Candide learns to become his own person, to accept life for what it has to offer, and that not everything has to be analyzed to decide whether or not it was good or bad. In th