What I love about Voltaire is his ability to effectively satirize multiple aspects of society at the same time. Through Pangloss's optimistic ideology, Voltaire is poking fun at the idea of society over-thinking simple concepts and ignoring common sense in favor of "enlightenment." The concept of war is simultaneously mocked alongside of fairy tale writing styles during the passage where Candide is with the Bulgar Army in the midst of the battle. Everything, especially the temporary "deaths" of these soldiers is a tool Voltaire uses to satirize these concepts which can be seen in this quote from the battle scene, "Finally, the bayonet provided 'sufficient reason' for the death of several thousand more." I love how he is not only questioning the methods of war in this passage but also the futility of attempting to put reason into something as perversely chaotic as war. Also funny to me is the questioning of Pangloss's view of everything working out for the best even after he has gone through so much suffering. So far this is my favorite reading.

P.S. I commented on Cameron White's post