In these chapters, Voltaire added further examples of the misfortune and evil to be found everywhere; no individual, however lowly or exalted, could escape them. Particularly with reference to Paquette and Friar Giroflée, somewhat less so with reference to Senator Pococurante, appearances were deceiving. The young couple seemed to be completely carefree and happy, absorbed as they were in each other. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Both were miserable, pathetic creatures. The senator, living like a manorial lord, sought out by visitors from all over Europe, had not found tranquillity either. And it was Martin, functioning as usual as a kind of chorus, who drew the appropriate conclusion in each case.
Voltaire introduced an amusing bit of irony in his choice of names in this section. Candide described Friar Giroflée as one on whose face the flower of youth shone. The friar's name means "gillyflower"; that of Paquette means "daisy." The author also satirizes the individual who entered the religious life by default and was anything but a dedicated spirit. Friar Giroflée was one of the many younger sons in better class families, who, according to the law of primogeniture, could not inherit their father's estate. Their only recourse was to try to find places in one of the Three Estates — the military, the government, the Church. They could not lower themselves by becoming farmers or tradesmen. Little wonder that many who entered the Church were utter misfits.
