Yet the often exaggerated, outlandish, and senseless events in the novel force the reader to confront the overdone, unbelievable and irrational nature of the real world. Thus, the tone of Candide, which is usually ironical and satirical, underscores the theme of the work as a whole.
Eldorado is the mythical city of gold spoken about by many authors before Voltaire s time.
It symbolizes the physical embodiment of utopian ideals and the limitless potential of human reason. Among other things, it says that all things are for the best, that this world is the best of all possible ones. Unfortunately for Pangloss and the rest of Candide s characters, experience proves time and time again that the earth is not a utopia, that needless, irrational suffering does occur even to good people. In this way, Voltaire tears apart the deterministic optimism of Leibniz, Pope and others. Candide and company decide to give up their philosophic ideals in exchange for productive practicality.