Voltaire's Candide is a reflection of the philosophical values ​​of the Enlightenment. Voltaire's novel is a satire of the ideologies of the Old Regime in which he criticizes the political, social and religious ideals of his time. A common intellectual characteristic of the Enlightenment was anti-feudalism. Philosophers were against the separations of the Old Regime and pushed for equality between human beings. Voltaire parodies the pomposity of the nobility several times in his novel. When we are introduced to Baron Thunder-ten-tronckh, Voltaire describes his castle as luxurious, although we infer that Westphalia is only a moderate estate. Although the name may seem important, Thunder-ten-tronckh does not have the luxury of nobility. The Baron lives off the work of others, justifying it with his birth in the right to power. Furthermore, the baron's sister refuses to marry Candido's father because he has one quarter less than her on his coat of arms. The difference in their lineage is minimal; however, the Baroness refuses to marry anyone less important than herself. Candide himself also experiences a similar episode. The baron's son refuses to allow Candide to marry his sister Cunegonde. Although Candide saves Cunegonde from several misfortunes, the baron feels unworthy of someone with such status. In his display of noble arrogance, Voltaire suggests that the accident of birth is meaningless. He continues his parody of nobility by introducing Don Fernando, the governor of Buenos Ayres. Don Fernando brings with him a long list of names to accentuate his power and wealth. In the times of the Ancient Regime this was the custom to recognize nobility. However, Voltaire portrays Don Fernando as a predator, a liar, and a cheat. It shows that even though Don Fernando can be called rich and powerful, he is not superior to others. Finally, Candide's experiences in the army suggest Voltaire's bitterness towards the aristocracy. In every war that Candide participates in, the common people suffer the consequences of the nobility's actions. Another characteristic of the Enlightenment was that of optimism; however Voltaire was a pessimist. Voltaire uses Candide to criticize the Enlightenment view that reason can overcome social chaos. Pangloss, a devoted friend of Candide, is an optimist who maintains that...... middle of paper ......any Franciscan who can enter the order is required to take a vow of poverty. By stealing the jewels, the theft broke this religious vow. The Old Woman was the illegitimate daughter of a Pope. Not only did she break her vows of celibacy, but she refused to protect her daughter from society. Also, while Candide was in France, he met an abbot. The abbot was involved in such things as gambling, extortion, cheating and theft. He also promoted dissolute morality and involved Candide in these practices by introducing him to a seductress. The abbot was only kind to Candide because of the jewels and gold he possessed. Finally, Giroflee is presented as a satire of the church. Friar Giroflee hired Pacquette for prostitution services. In a monastery, monks should refrain from participating in any secular activity, especially prostitution. Voltaire skillfully parodies the events of the Old Regime in his novel Candide. With wit and sarcasm, the ideologies of Enlightenment philosophers are candidly manifested through fictitious and absurd characters. The entire novel is a satire of the political, social and religious ideals that Voltaire so tirelessly defended against.