Use of irony, satire and symbolism in Candide In the novel Candide, Voltaire uses many literary writing tools to prove his points. Some of these many literary tools are irony, satire, and symbolism. Through these tools, Voltaire demonstrates that greed is a universal vice and usually ends in one's destruction. Voltaire strongly emphasizes his pessimistic outlook throughout the story. During chapter 10, he uses his philosophy, as well as other literary devices, to present greed as a devastating factor in society's corruption. Cunegonda, for example, discovered that someone had stolen her money and jewels. "Who could have stolen my money and diamonds? ...I strongly suspect that a Franciscan reverend slept with us in the same inn as us last night in Badajoz." (p. 40) She was sure that the thief was the reverend; How is it possible that money can make someone so holy and corrupt to the point of committing a sin? Voltaire uses irony here to show the pessimistic view of greed surpassing the wholesomeness of a holy person. Voltaire satirized philosophical optimism. He used exaggerations and rebuked all the petty inhumanities of society. This is illustrated in the scene where Cunegonde was ready to marry a man for money, not for love. man who is the greatest gentleman in South America and has a beautiful moustache." (Page 51) As Cunegonde ponders whether or not to marry a man for money, she provides support for Voltaire's overall theme of pessimism. Candide and Cacambo went to 'Eldorado and found that it was the best place ever. "If our friend Pangloss had seen Eldorado, he would not have said that the castle of Tuono-ten-tronckh was the most beautiful thing on earth." perfect place, like Eldorado, where they could be seen as equals, and extremely satisfied, it seems madness. But Candide and Cacambo considered money to be more important. [If we return to our world] we will be richer than all the kings of Europe put together." (Page 70) This simply proves that humanity sees more, and better, of money than of happiness and wealth in contentment..