In Voltaire’s Candide, one of the significant scenes that reflects Voltaire’s understanding of human nature is the “Lisbon Earthquake” scene, which is indeed a direct reference to the real-life Lisbon earthquake that happened in 1755. This earthquake was a catastrophic and dreadful event that led to significant loss of properties and, most importantly, people’s lives.
Context of the Scene
At this stage of Candide’s journey, Candide has already been through a lot of adversaries and misfortunes, such as experiencing the horrors of war, being expelled from his beloved home, and being falsely accused. All these challenges compromised Candide’s optimistic view of the world, which Pangloss, Candide’s mentor, instilled in him.
Analysis of the Scene
The scene of the Lisbon earthquake in Voltaire’s Candide is a powerful and impactful illustration of the cynical worldview of Voltaire’s understanding of human nature. The scene depicts Voltaire’s belief that human beings often resort to superstitious beliefs and irrational behaviour in their trying times, as after the earthquake, the people of Lisbon blamed Voltaire and Pangloss for the earthquake and its dire outcomes and used them both as scapegoats. Instead of coming together to extend a helping hand to each other, they falsely accused Voltaire and Pangloss and decided to hold a public penance ceremony in order to prevent another disaster in Lisbon. This scene shows Voltaire’s critique of human nature and their belief in religious institutions, as people in times of disaster prefer superstitions over reason and compassion. It is evident in this scene that Voltaire believes that religious institutions often exploit and foster people’s ignorance and fear in dire fractions of seconds.
Impact of the Scene on Voltaire
The Lisbon earthquake event is a turning point for Candide as before that event; he was losing the naïve optimism that he regained after witnessing the cruelty, irrationality, and superstitions present in human nature. After experiencing this event firsthand, he challenges and questions the philosophy of Pangloss and becomes more disillusioned and sceptical in his behaviour and actions.
In conclusion, this scene is a powerful and comprehensive illustration of Voltaire’s understanding of the nature of human beings as it proves to be a turning point in his journey, leading Candide to question his previously held beliefs and how they transformed him into a sceptical and disillusioned person after experiencing the irrationality of humans.
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