Using satire to target religion, the military and optimism in Voltaire's CandideIn his work, Candide, Voltaire uses satire as a means of conveying his opinions on many aspects of European society in the 18th century. Voltaire successfully critiques religion, the military, and the philosophy of optimism. Religious leaders are the target of satire throughout Candide. Voltaire depicts religious clergy as men who use their position to advance their own causes. Additionally, priests oppress those less fortunate, so clergy can continue to enjoy extravagant luxury. Candide discovers the young baron, whom he thought dead, living among the Jesuit priests of Paraguay. Assuming that the natives must prosper under the protection of these religious and military leaders, Candide thinks it is a most pleasant place to live. However, he soon discovers that the religious leaders are plundering the natives' resources. The young baron eats from golden bowls while the natives live in poverty with very little food. Th...