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Optimism In Candide

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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. …show more content…

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

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The novel Candide, written by Voltaire, portrays the adventures and experiences of the main character named Candide. Being a very honest man, a character like Candide can be easily swayed and convinced to do and believe anything. From carelessness to greed, the reader can clearly understand that Voltaire ridicules many decisions and situations that occur in the novel. One of many themes Voltaire mocks in the novel would be how greed can result from wealth. What Voltaire is ultimately conveying to the reader is that money cannot buy happiness.

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In Candide, Voltaire discusses Cunegonde, Paquette, and the Old Woman and the exploitation the women faces during the 18th century. They were raped and was sexually exploited regardless of being from a well to do family or from a royal home. These female characters have very little importance in Candide. With the way Voltaire characterized Cunegonde, Paquette, and the Old Woman, Voltaire draws our attention to gender roles and the incompetence of women in the 1800s. These women were all natural survivors in my view.

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Through the protagonist Candide one can deduce Voltaire’s negative outlook on human nature. He believes every word that Pangloss says, in the same way that people of the day believed everything that the Church would say. At the beginning of the text he blindly worships Optimism and by the end of it he worships the Turk’s philosophy of labour. “I also know… that we must cultivate our garden” (Voltaire 99). However it does appear that Candide has gained more knowledge and wisdom and has therefore made a more informed decision.

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