I have to say that it was definitely refreshing having Martin the philosopher appearing midway through the story. No more of that Master Pangloss brain washing fairy tale “best of all possible worlds”, conversely, Martin interjects his philosophical perception of how cruel and unforgiving the real world is. A very stark contrast to what Master Pangloss’s teaching indeed.
So this got me thinking, let’s say that Master Pangloss is the embodiment of an ideal world where everything happens for the best, and Martin representing the chaotic reality. Would it be safe to assume that Candide represents the hope that innately exists within the human nature? Hope won’t necessarily bring forth an ideal world but provides the basis for one to continue living. As with Candide, he doesn’t accept Martin’s views of the world, but his interactions with Martin created a “distortion” in the notion that everything happens is for the best of all possible worlds. Hence, Candide is no longer so certain about Master Pangloss teachings, instead he just wants to see Cunegonde and hope everything will be better. Unfortunately, that was not the case for Candide as he felt almost forced to marry his lover.
