Optimism In Candide

Candide, by Voltaire, is a book depicted in the 18th c. that tells the story of a young man named, Candide, and the misfortunate life he must live through; even though, it may seem as all the physical events and situations he encounters are the most significant details about the story, it is the internal conflict and shift from optimism to an eventual unfortunate realization of the truths of the terrible world we live in that truly exemplify Voltaire’s point of view. It begins with Candide, who lives a peaceful life in a castle with seemingly no problems or worries. Meanwhile, he is being taught by his mentor, Professor Pangloss, about the beauty of optimism and a positive perception of the world and it becomes a part of Candide’s personality. However, the entire novel is about this shift in mentality that Candide experiences throughout his life, it seems as though his fate is tragic. Consequently, a sudden abrupt end to this ideal life is triggered by his pursuit of a forbidden relationship with his love Cunegonde, the king’s daughter, and this prohibited love gets Candide thrown out of the castle and out into the harsh real world where he is faced with adversities that seem unsurpassable and inescapable.

Throughout the progression of the novel the readers can get a sense that Candide’s will is strong but it is permissible, after all he is human, and the world is cruel. Even what is seemingly ‘positive’ in society has the shadow of negativity cast upon it as it is dragged into the unforgiving reality of Voltaire’s thoughts and experiences in the 18th c.; things such as: the inquisition, the Lisbon earthquake, the 7 years’ war, etc. are all encompassed in the book and all directly affect Candide in the