Voltaire's novel Candide presents satire as social commentary on religion, mistreatment of women, slavery, money, philosophies and societal ideas that were important to the during the Age of Enlightenment. Through the characters of Cunégonde and the old woman, Voltaire explains that women were considered property and secondary citizens; they were treated as weak and helpless individuals who needed a high-ranking husband to ensure a joyful life. For example, Cunégonde's father decides who she will marry, regardless of who she is truly in love with. Women of this era did not marry for love, their marriages were often arranged. In Constantinople, Cunégonde and the old woman were both slaves and were treated horribly by the men. It was only when Candide bought them out that they finally obtained their independence. Later, the old woman describes being raped and mutilated in an ordinary, relaxed tone and calls it "common." Voltaire expresses in the aforementioned scenes that women were considered property belonging to men. Cunégonde, shared by the Grand Inquisitor and the Jewish merchant, is also an example. Voltaire's views regarding the treatment of women were similar to those of Montesquieu in his book Les Lettres persanes, where he specifically discussed the men of Paris and their views on the place and purpose of women in society. Hypocrisy and religious persecution by the Roman Catholic Church is an important aspect of the Enlightenment that is discussed in the book. For example, almost all religious figures repeatedly violate canon law and neglect their virtuous duties. The baron belonged to the Jesuits and his family lives better than the poor people they should have helped. James, the Anabaptis...... middle of paper ......elves and reject our curious nature, then the world will know eternal happiness. Voltaire's views surface through those of Candide in the final chapters of the book. The resurrection of Pangloss and other figures thought to be dead symbolized the recurrence of evil and the domination of evil over good. People's ability to be content is explained by the old woman when they are on the ship. The woman recounts how she repeatedly considered suicide to end her misery; however, his selfish love of life prevents him from committing suicide. She thought everyone on the ship had a bad story and that was proof of the evil in the world. Cacambo in particular was pure proof of someone who had overcome the wickedness of the world and learned to be content with it. In conclusion, man will never be satisfied with life; he must learn to adapt to it.