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 i