Satire In The Works Of Voltaire And Hogarth

The 18th century was a time of great social change in Europe. In France, Philosophés, like the satirist Voltaire, were writing about their grievances that they found in the world around them. While some expressed their complaints in writing, the famous painter and engraver, William Hogarth conveyed his ideas through a visual and artistic medium. They share similar views in general but choose to attack different elements of culture in their communities. Voltaire and Hogarth use satire and irony to convey a discontent with individual flaws as well as vices found in society. The goal of satire is to make a vice of the satirist’s choosing recognized to the public and from there, attack and expel it from society. When publishing their works, these

He targets ideas that were common and controversial at the time, such as marriage. By making it so difficult for the protagonist, Candide, to marry his lover, Cunegondé, he declared his discontent for the flawed system that has been engrained in society. The Baron, Candide’s uncle, prevents him from making Cunegondé, the Baron’s daughter, his bride because he believes in marriage should be between members of the same social class. While the woman he loves is an aristocrat, Candide is just a commoner. This is critical because even though Voltaire does not attack love and passion, he is completely against the idea of arranged marriage. He uses satire clearly and effectively to condemn marriage by having Candide find the Baron after his castle has been destroyed and he asked the Baron to marry his daughter once again. The Baron is irate at what he believed was a ludicrous question and in response Candide stabs him and flees. The irony in this situation is that while the Baron has been so rude to Candide, he will eventually need his help. Later, Candide finds him on a ship working as a slave, he purchases his freedom and asks for his blessing another time. Yet another time, the Baron refuses and Candide sells him back. This is significant because verifies Voltaire’s hatred to the institution of arranged