Bewildering Irony

Chapters X through XIII were very entertaining. Initially, we learn that Cunégonde has no respect for her peers whatsoever. “Cunégonde started to titter with laughter, for it was amusing of the good woman to pretend to be more unfortunate than she. “ (Pg. 48) I think a regular person would never make that kind of assumption. If I were to encounter an old, beat up, poor woman I would never laugh at her.

The next chapter shows a very funny critique that Voltaire does to the Church. “I am the daughter of Pope Urban X and the Princess of Palestrina” (Pg. 48) This quotation alone is enough to see what Voltaire is trying to say. He’s showing that there is living proof that not even the Pope is celibate. “Our soldiers defended themselves like the Pope’s guard: they fell to their knees and threw away their arms, begging the pirates for absolution at the point of death. “ (Pg. 50) This quotation shows an ironic event, demonstrating a whole crew of guards as cowards that don’t serve their purpose.

After narrating a very gruesome tale about her life, the old woman then adds “… such experiences are so common that they are not worth the trouble of describing.” (Pg. 51) This quotation made me rethink the whole irony aspect of the story. This takes irony to a whole new level. It’s not every day that the princess daughter of a pope gets gang raped.

Nearing the end of the old woman’s list of misfortunes, we see yet another evidently ironic quotation. “’I was touched by his kindness, and tears started to my eyes as I thanked him. Instead of taking me to Italy, however, he brought me to Algiers and sold me to the Governor of that province.” (Pg. 54) How can someone praise another’s kindness if they are later betrayed and sold as slaves?

Up to now I think Voltaire’s humor is a bit harsh. He seems to enjoy talking about misfortunes and laughing at them. So far, I have managed to pick up little jokes that amuse me. I think this characteristic is what keeps me interested.