Using satire to target religion, the army 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 criticizes religion, the army and the philosophy of optimism. Religious leaders are the targets of satire throughout Candide. Voltaire describes religious clergy as men who use their position to advance their causes. Furthermore, priests keep the less fortunate oppressed, so members of the clergy can continue to enjoy extravagant luxuries. Candide discovers that the young baron, who he thought was dead, lives among the Jesuit priests of Paraguay. Assuming that the natives should thrive under the protection of these religious/military leaders, Candide finds this to be a very pleasant place to live. However, he soon discovers that the religious leaders are stealing the indigenous people's resources. The young Baron is found eating from golden bowls while the natives live in poverty with very little food. Yep...