François-Marie Aroused, more commonly known as Voltaire, was an 18th-century philosopher and writer known for his satire, wit, and influence on the age of 'Enlightenment. The Ancien Régime or old regime is a word to describe the social and political system of France from around the 15th century until the French Revolution of 1789. Throughout the novel we learn how the view of women, wealth and how classes were especially valued social and religion of the 18th century that characterize the Ancien Regime. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay 18th century women were often viewed as objects to be bought, used, and sold. Although Voltaire does not spend much time developing female characters, Cunegonde's story of being used, raped, and sold sheds light on how women of the time were viewed. During the invasion of the castle Voltaire wrote: “A Bulgarian captain appeared, he saw me covered in blood and the soldier also intent on getting up. Shocked that the monster had failed to pay attention, the captain killed it over my body, then had my wound dressed and taken to his quarters, as a prisoner of war. I washed some shirts and cooked; he found me attractive, I confess, and I don't deny that he was a handsome boy, with smooth, white skin; apart from, however, little intelligence, little philosophical preparation, it was evident that he had not been raised by Doctor Pangloss. After three months he had lost all his money and was tired of me; so he sold me to a Jew named Don Issachar, who traded in Holland and Portugal, and who was crazy about women. This Jew developed a great passion for my person, but achieved nothing; I held him off better than I had the Bulgarian soldier; for although an honorable person may be raped once, his virtue is only strengthened by experience. “Cunegonda's story exemplifies the vulnerability of women and how they were often seen as objects, to be bought and sold like food or clothing. The Bulgarian Captain is a great example of how women were treated. The Captain found Cunegonde attractive and took care of Cunegonde, but when he encountered financial difficulties, he sold her here no doubt having grown tired of her. Even after Candide tells her story and how the Bulgarian raped her and left a wound on her thigh, he interjects by saying how much she wants to see him. Treating women as objects like those seen in the novel would not change until hundreds of years later. Voltaire comments on the perceived correlation between wealth and happiness El Dorado was a land of such riches that when Candide went to pay for a meal with two large pieces of gold coins, he was mocked for trying to give him pebbles. However, after staying a month in their refuge, Candido realizes: “If we stay here, we will be like everyone else, while if we return to our world, bringing with us only a dozen sheep loaded with pebbles from El Dorado, we will be richer than all the kings put together, we will no longer have inquisitors to fear and we will be able to easily take back Miss Cunegonde. This harangue pleased Cacambo; wandering is such a pleasure, it gives the man such prestige at home that he can talk about what he has seen outside, that the two happy men decided not to be happy anymore, but to take leave of his majesty. then he scolds the two for their senseless plan, but helps them despite everything. Part of the king finds their plan foolish because El Dorado's happiness does not come from their wealth, as was the case throughout Europe. Compare this to what happens in Europe, where even the richest people often wanted more wealth. TOweeks into their journey Voltaire emphasizes wealth and wealth when Candide says, “My friend, see how the riches of this world are fleeting; the only solid things are virtue and the joy of seeing Miss Cunegonda again. Candide now, after seeing a land of infinite wealth, learns that, although physical wealth may stand the test of time, virtue and mental happiness are unshakable. Social classes in the 18th century were rigid and rarely allowed for progression to the higher classes. One of the many reasons was that the taller ones looked down on the shorter ones. “This is all I desire,” said Candide; I hoped to marry her, and I still hope so.— Your insolent dog replied to the Baron, you would have the effrontery to marry my sister who has seventy-two quarters! It's a presumption for you to even talk about such a crazy project in my presence. Candide, frightened by this speech, replied: – Most reverend father, all the quarters in the world do not concern this case; I freed your sister from the arms of a Jew and inquisitor; he has many obligations towards me, he wants to marry me. Master Pangloss always taught me that men are equal; and I will certainly marry her. “We'll see, scoundrel,” said the Jesuit baron of Thunder-ten-Tronckh; and, saying this, he struck him in the face with the flat of his sword.” The baron's son is more interested in Candide's social status than in his merits or character, although they share a genuine love. for each other, and Candide saved Cunegonde from a life of servitude to a Jew and inquisitor. Once Candide returns from his adventures and is reunited with Cunegonde, and when she reminds him of his promise to marry her, he leaves despite her having lost her beauty. As I will not bear, said the Baron, such meanness on his part, and such insolence on your part; I will never be reproached for this scandalous thing; My sister's children could never enter the church in Germany. NO; my sister will only marry a baron of the empire. Candide feels he must marry Cunegonde, despite having lost both her beauty and the castle, he feels he must do so despite the baron. The social structure of the Ancien Régime in the 18th century was incredibly strict. The aristocracy's vision of the lower class is one of absolute inferiority. Voltaire perceived the aristocracy as corrupt and concerned only with their own lineage. Voltaire was adamant about the separation of church and state, finding that any institution with such power rarely does any good, using its power over people to extort and manipulate them. Religious conflicts were ever-present in the 18th century, whether caused by states or churches. El Dorado is unique compared to Europe in that it has a single, uncontested religion, meaning there is no conflict between religions that allows for peace. “Cacambo meekly asked what the religion of El Dorado was. The old man blushed again - there can be two religions he asked, I suppose our religion is the same as all of us we worship God from morning to night - then we worship a sung deity said Cacambo, who always acted as interpreter for Candide's questions .- it's obvious, said the old man, that here we aren't two or three or four. I must say that the people of your world ask very remarkable questions." El Dorado's situation is unique in that all its citizens have come to an agreement on religion. This allows for unity among its citizens, however in Europe such an idea is madness as religions are both widespread and diverse. Europe is cautiously divided due to the corruption of churches and states that can abuse their power without fear of consequences from their defenseless subjects. When these powers.