From Northrop Frye's Anatomy of Criticism, p.102:
"The Menippean satire deals less with people as such than with mental attitudes. Pedants, bigots, cranks, parvenus, virtuosi, enthusiasts, rapacious and incompetent professional men of all kinds, are handled in terms of their occupational approach to life as distinct from their social behavior. The Menippean satire thus resembles the confession in its ability to handle abstract ideas and theories, and differs from the novel in its characterization, which is stylized rather than naturalistic, and presents people as mouthpieces of the ideas they represent."
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"A constant theme in the tradition is the ridicule of philosophus gloriosus."
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"[It] relies on the free play of intellectual fancy and the kind of humorous observation that produces caricature."
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"At its most concentrated, Menippean satire presents us with a vision of the world in terms of a single intellectual pattern."
Voltaire’s Candide is indeed a superlative illustration of what a Menippean satire. The characters experience a range unfortunate circumstances and situations which miraculously generally do not disrupt their individual, fundamental spheres of logic; that is, how they make sense of the world at large and what fulfillment truly is. Take the old woman for instance. She is steadfast in her role as a care taker as well as a symbol of perseverance that no doubt inspires Candide in his aspiration to marry Cunegonde. Similiarly, Martin remains the only one of Candide’s traveling companions that does not adopt his optimism in wearisome escapades. I need not mention the prevalence of Pangloss’s metaphysico-theologo-comsolonigology as it seems they cancel each other out. Candide is conforted by his tutor’s philosophy but ultimately he has been taught that dissatisfaction with ones current circumstance is fruitless.
ReplyDeleteAnother characteristic of Menippean satire the Voltaire uses is the role of occupation as it relates to temperament. The Bulgarians are vicious as warriors are thought be. The Kings are gracious and well-mannered recognizing Candide for his mildness . Cacambo is loyal as a valet. And Cunegonde is unconditional in her feel affection for Candide. All who sought peace find fulfillment in the end.
Marlon White
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