Essay On Candide

Candide Analysis
Candide was written by Voltaire in 1759. In this novella, Voltaire used satirical irony to help convey
his message. Voltaire was a famous writer during the Enlightenment period. The Enlightenment
period questioned traditional views regarding religion, government and treatment of women during
the 17th and 18th century. Candide helps explain Enlightenment ideas that encourage social change
in religion, government and women's rights but does not offer a definite solutions to these problems.
In the novella the main character Candide travels to El Dorado which is considered to be a
utopia. A utopia is a society that is ideal and considered perfect. In El Dorado everything is equal
and shared amongst the people living there. Therefore, there is no hate, violence or competition.
People living in El Dorado do not fight or try to be better than one another. After traveling to El
Dorado, Candide decides to leave. This seems shocking since El Dorado seems perfect with no
social problems. Candide leaves El Dorado for two reasons. The first is that Candide found
something worth more than an ideal society, this would be love. Candide thinks he is in love with
Cunegonde and fleas El Dorado to find her. The next reason is that Candide leaves El Dorado so that
he can become rich and have a better life. Candide was not able to feel fulfilled with having shared
things in El Dorado so he decided to leave.
On the topic of religion Voltairedescribes religious officials as the most sinful of
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An Essay on Man vs. Candide
An Essay on Man vs. Candide During the period of Enlightenment, many philosophers began a
new way of thinking. For philosopher Alexander Pope in An Essay on Man, Pope believed that,
"Whatever is, is right" (L. 294), in that God is in control and every human being is a part of a
greater design of God. Voltairelater challenged that belief in Candide with the idea that God does not
produce order, but instead, we must produce it ourselves and use reason to give our lives
meaning. Pope's position is more optimistic, while Voltaire's position takes on a pessimistic view
in that it does not allow for the belief in some sort of higher purpose. Drawing from personal
experience, Pope's belief that we perceive troubles as troubles only because...show more content...
413). With that notion, Voltaire is right because there is nothing in this world that is perfect or
even close to perfect, but it is the best possible world we have. Voltaire acknowledges that the
world we live in includes both good and bad and joy and suffering. I can see the accuracy in
Voltaire's theory where man does have the power to make his own decisions in life, but at the same
time I feel that our decisions go into a pre–developed plan. I have left several hard decisions that I've
had to make, decide themselves. Even though I left it up in the air, I eventually partially made a
decision, but I also had the help of a greater force. We might all have several paths laid out for us
in the beginning, and depending on a few drastic choices that we make will determine which of
those few paths we end up going down. Voltaire creates the opportunity that man can make his
own difference in the world and be happy by giving man control over his life and not resting it all
on God. Voltaire's Candide and Alexander Pope's An Essay on Man both make foundational points.
Pope's essay is more optimistic while Voltaire's is more pessimistic. The flaw in Pope's essay is that
Pope is too

Essay on Voltaire's Candide
Voltaire's Candide Candide is a reflection of the philosophical values of the Enlightenment.
Voltaire's novel is a satire of the Old Regime ideologies in which he critiques the political, social, and
religious ideals of his time.
A common intellectual characteristic of the Enlightenment was anti–feudalism. Philosophers were
against the separations in the Old Regime and pushed for equality among human beings. Voltaire
parodies the pompousness of the nobility several times throughout his novel. As we are introduced to
the Baron Thunder–ten–tronckh, Voltaire describes his castle as luxurious, even though it is inferred
that Westphalia is only a moderate estate. Although the name may sound important,
Thunder–ten–tronckh lacks...show more content...
Enlightenment thinkers wanted tangible, concrete evidence to back their arguments. Pangloss based
his arguments on nothing. Voltaire portrays him as naГЇve, scorning him for not experiencing and
studying the world before he becomes firmly planted in his ideas. Even after Pangloss
experiences the evil ways of the world, he refuses to change his philosophy. Pangloss would
rather preach something attractive to the ear rather than reality. Candide's servant Cacambo also
speaks of false optimism as he tries to console Candide over the loss of Cunegonde. He says that
women are never at a loss and that God takes care of them. However, Cunegonde and the Old
Woman both experienced brutality and suffering many times over in their lifetime. Cunegonde was
bought, sold, and treated like a possession throughout the novel. She and the Old Woman were left
vulnerable to molestation and treated like objects. The only hint of optimism in Voltaire's novel is
when Cacambo and Candide stumble upon the country of Eldorado. However, this optimism is
quickly distinguished when the two men foolishly trade such a perfect society for jewels, gold,
power, and influence. Eldorado is a country in which there is no organized religion, no courts or
prisons, no poverty, and complete equality. Even the king is treated as a normal citizen. Candide
overlooks the fact that this is a perfect society because of the ideals they practice, and believes that
the riches are the most

Candide: A Short Story
How Candide met Flash on the train on the way to school, and what he did there "We are being
held momentarily by the train's dispatcher. We apologize for any inconvenience," announces the
invisible man somewhere from above. The man besides the doors of the large metal box let out an
annoyed grunt and stomped his foot on the ground. As he opens the Daily News to read the latest
article, he mumbles under his breath, "When will these trains ever run on time? Do I have to be late
because of the stupid train delays again? Why I ought to––"
The train lurches sharply to the left. The man who spoke so impatiently falls on top of a young
student who is sitting on one of the orange seat.
"Woah! I'm sorry, man. This stinkin' MTA literally can not do
...show more content...
I've enjoyed seeing those rats you speak of before I got on this train. It is a perfect depiction of
how nature and civilization can coexist to make the best of all worlds." (detached tone)
Bob gives Candide a long stare. "You're an interesting one. Oh, here's your stop. You better get off
now."
As Candide is getting off the train, he waves back at Bob, calling out, "See you another time.
Remember, all things work out for the best. You being late to work is just a way for the boss to
remember your name and get to know you!"
While Candide walks out the station, he sees many other children around his age leaving as well.
He follows them in a general direction and reaches a bridge with many flights of stairs. Walking
across the bridge, he looks to the side to admire the beautiful view of the tall buildings blocking out
the sunshine. He walks into the school, and is met with 10 floors of metal stairs to climb up.
Upon reaching the classrooms, Candide finds a seat to sit in the back. The teacher's eyes are glued
to the broad, as she reads off the words on her screen.
"Ms. Perezo, can you explain that more clearly?" asks

Essay on Candide
Candide Essay
Toward the beginning of the 18th century, a new ideology began to take hold of Europe. It was
during this time that a radical and critical revolution took place to bring about the use of rational
thought and enlighten the people about their own beliefs and values; thus igniting the period of
Enlightenment. In this period many people followed the teachings of their forefathers, such as
Socrates, who was considered a figure of skepticism and rational thought. Challenging all views and
theorems was the main point of this new ideology. Voltaire, a very powerful and influential figure
among the writers of the 18th century, was known for his rejection of religion and a devout deist. In
one of his most famous works, Candide, he...show more content...
During this time people turned to religious answers for phenomena of the natural world, so this
made it hard for many to accept so easily. Isaac Newton, famous physicist and mathematician, was
a Deist as well. Newton's discovery of the Theory of Gravity brought about a whole new
understanding of the world. It was Newton who introduced the idea of the mechanical universe, an
idea which explained natural phenomena with science or most importantly mathematics. Deists
rejected organized religion and believed that reason was the basic characteristic of man. This is
perfectly exemplified in a passage from Thomas Paine: "I do not believe in the creed professed
by...any church that I know of. My own mind is my own church..." (Perry, Pg. 64) One of Descartes
famous quotes in the time of the Enlightenment were "I think, therefore I am." (Perry, Pg.49)
Although Deism was a radical movement from previous ideologies, it did not completely ignore
religious works or teachings. Thomas Jefferson found many excellent lessons and examples of
moral behavior within the gospels. Deism was a departure from vague philosophical study that dealt
with irrelevant ideas to rational study about things grounded to this world and reality. Beyond
philosophy and science, politics was also subject to a radical change. Most notable would be
beginning of Constitutionalism, a system of government in a form of monarchy which the

Essay on Candide
CANDIDE
By
Voltaire
Throughout Candide the author, Voltaire, demonstrates the character's experiences in a cruel world
and his fight to gain happiness. In the beginning Candide expects to achieve happiness without
working for his goal and only taking the easy way out of all situations. However, by the end of the
book the character realized that to achieve happiness a lot of work, compromises, and sacrifices are
necessary.
Candide is a person of privilege who began life in the Castle of Westphalia. While a part of the
castle–life, Candide was taught by Dr. Pangloss. Pangloss is a philosopher who teaches there is a
cause for all things and that everything is all for the good,...show more content...
When he does meet Cunegonde life does not become any easier or richer. At this reunion, Candide
does begin to take his life's matters into his own hands. His first attempt at this accomplishment is
shown when he kills Cunegonde's rapists. Though life does not become any easier, at this point
Candide begins to grow from a naГЇve young person into a grown realist. Cunegonde suddenly
leaves Candide for a wealthy man. The man's wealth, however, proves not to bring happiness to
either Cunegonde or Candide.
Candide realizes he must take responsibility for his life. He must accept situations and try to
change obstacles that may be hindrances. Candide learns that labor will eliminate the three
curses of mankind: want, boredom, and vice. Candide realizes he must build his own life,
however simple it may be. When meeting a man that is happy with a simple garden to tend and a
family to love, Candide realizes life does not have to be full of wealth in order to be happy. He
realizes that everything in life is not evil, especially when a person strives to make changes and not
simply accept what comes their way. A reader of Candide should realize how accepting a situation
and not trying to charge or overcome its obstacles is only harmful. If a person does not attempt to
change a bad situation, then that person should be complain about the outcome. A person should
take responsibility and

Candide: A Brief Summary
Issachar tried to kill Candide with his sword when he saw him with Cunegonde, but instead
Candide killed Issachar. After that, they went to the Old Woman to decide what they should do
with the dead body and then the Inquisitor came in, and Candide killed him too. They eventually
came to a decision and left to a little town called Avacena. Cunegonde was robbed and someone
stole her moidores and diamonds. The Old Woman thought that the friar that stayed at the friar that
stayed at their inn was the thief. Later, they wanted to travel to Cadiz, so they sold one of the
horses for money. The Old Woman recalls a story from her past about how she was married to a
man, but he died after a while. The Woman and her mother went on a boat, where all of...show more
content...
The captain keeps her in the harem, but then the Russians decide to starve the harem. The men
who were guarding it got hungry and decided to eat the women, but then the Russiancs killed the
men. The Old Woman escaped and found a job as a servant, which was the end of her story.
Candide told the governor that he is planning to marry Cunegonde, which was a mistake. The
governor makes him leave and then asks Cunegonde to marry him, but she didn't know what to do
so she asked the Old Woman and she said to marry him for protection. Candide tries to find the
Jesuits in Paraguay to fight against the governor. Candide finds out that the Colonel is in fact
Cunegonde's brother. The Baron tells his life story about how he was attacked by the Bulgar
soldiers and then buried, but the Jesuits see his eye move so he takes him out and makes him
healthy again. Then, Candide told him that he wants to marry the Baron's sister, and with surprise he
attacks Candide, but Candide killed him and he felt frightened afterwards. Candide and Ccambo took
the Jesuits clothes and wore them as disguise, but then they got caught by some women who wanted
to kill them for

The Message Of Candide
INTRODUCTION
French philosopher Francois Marie Arouet, also known as Voltaire, is one of the leading figures of
the Enlightenment epoch and famous for the fight for freedom, tolerance and knowledge. One of
his the most prominent philosophical writings is "Candide, ou l'Optimisme". This widely translated
satirical novel was published in 1759 as a response to the "Lettre sur la Providence" by Rousseau,
which shows an optimistic doctrine same way as Leibnizian theory. The main message of "Candide"
remains relevant nowadays, that is to say, an abstract theoretical discourses provide no response to
various forms of evil manifesting in this mundane world. The philosophical tale consists of the
development of this central idea without difficult...show more content...
In this case, the act of expulsion involves a young baron and Candide: "Martin concluded to throw
the Baron into the sea; Cacambo decided that he must be delivered to the Turkish captain and sent
to the galleys; after which he should be conveyed by the first ship to the Father General at Rome.
This advice was found to be good; < ... > and they had the pleasure of tricking a Jesuit, and
punishing the pride of a German baron." The causality of this expulsion is actually the same as in
the first chapter, since he would not let Candide to get married, but the result – quite

Candide Essay
Candide Essay
Compare/Contrast of 2 Characters
Throughout the story of Candide, the author Voltaire uses many of the characters to portray
important things in life. The two characters that Voltaire used the most were Candide and Pangloss.
Voltaire used these two characters to represent a particular idea or folly that he had about the world.
In the story Candide, Voltaire is always portraying his own ideas by using the characters to illustrate
his own ideas. Candide and Pangloss represent the main idea of the story, which is Voltaire's folly of
optimism. Even though they both represent the main idea of the story Candide and Pangloss have
many similarities and differences.
Before getting into the comparison and contrasting here is a...show more content...
Pangloss is the teacher of Cunegonde and Candide. Pangloss is a philosopher and supposed to be a
very educated man. Pangloss teaches Candide all about this certain philosophy that he himself lives
by. Voltaire explains Pangloss's philosophy like this, Pangloss gave instruction in
metaphysico–theologico–cosmolo–nigology. He proved admirably that there cannot possibly be an
effect without a cause and that in this best of all possible worlds the baron's castle was the most
beautiful of all castles and his wife the best of all possible baronesses. It is clear, said he, that
things cannot be otherwise than they are, for since everything is made to serve an end,
everything necessarily serves the best end. Observe: noses were made to support spectacles,
hence we have spectacles. Legs, as anyone can plainly see, were made to be breeched, and so we
have breeches. . . . Consequently, those who say everything is well are uttering mere stupidities;
they should say everything is for the best(pg. 4) What Voltaire is trying to explain here is that
Pangloss thinks that everything happens for a reason and even though it may be something bad, it
happens for the best. Pangloss teaches this philosophy with a strong emphasis and he really believes
in it.
In comparing these two characters, Candide and Pangloss have many similarities. One of the main
reasons for this is because Pangloss is Candide's philosophical teacher and Candide

Essay on Women in Voltaireв
Ђ™s Candide
In Candide Voltaire discusses the exploitation of the female race in the eighteenth century through
the women in the novel. Cunegonde, Paquette, and the Old Woman suffer through rape and sexual
exploitation regardless of wealth or political connections. These characters possess very little
complexity or importance in Candide. With his characterization of Cunegonde, Paquette, and the Old
Woman Voltaire satirizesgender roles and highlights the impotence of women in the 1800s.
Cunegonde is the daughter of a wealthy German lord. She is described as "extremely beautiful"
(Voltaire. 5) and is repeatedly referred to as "the fair Cunegonde." (39). She is the typical
damsel–in–distress: a woman who is completely reliant on male protection and...show more content...
When propositioned by the governor Cunegonde must decide between staying faithful to her love,
Candide, or being the governor's mistress. Her companion, who is simply named the Old Woman,
offers this advice. ...
You have it in your power to be the wife of the greatest nobleman in South America, who has a
splendid mustache. Are you in the position in which you can flaunt the luxury of unflinching
loyalty? You were raped by the Bulgars; a Jew and an Inquisitor have enjoyed your favors.
Misfortunes bestow certain rights. I confess that were I in your position, I would not harbor the least
scruple at marrying the governor and thereby securing Captain Candide's fortune. (41)
These women understand that in the 1800s they had very little power; only through men may they
exert any influence. The female characters in Candide are of little importance to the action of the
story. The narrator embraces a male perspective and does not endow any of the women with any
interesting or redeeming qualities. The Old Woman, being ugly and world–weary does not even earn
a name. Paquette is merely described as "a pretty and obedient brunette." (5) She is pronounced
obedient not because of her duties as a chambermaid, rather because she is quite willing to submit to
the men in the baron's castle. Cunegonde, Paquette, and the Old Woman are not intricate characters.
The subject of rape is a prevalent theme in Candide. All of the female characters suffer through it on

Candide Essay example
Candide is a French satire novel written by Voltaire during the Enlightenment period. The novel tells
the life story of Candide, a young and honest man from Westphalia. He falls in love with
Cundegonde , the beautiful daughter of the Baron of the Thunder–ten–Thronckh. Later he is forced
to leave Westphalia therefore begins his adventures throughout many different countries. Throughout
his advantures, Candide's beliefs and experiences have changed dramatically. The novel reflects a
type of writing known as bildungsroman. Bildungsroman is a story in which the main character
moves from a state of innocence and inexperienced to a state of wisdom and maturity through his or
her experiences.
The beginning course of bildungsroman is that the...show more content...
One of the most important reason for Candide to want to marry Cundegonde is that he wants to keep
his promise and doesn't want the society view him as an untrustworthy man. He has sacrificed his
needs for the judgments of the society.
In bildungsroman, the character is usually be able to make a smooth movement away from
conformity throughout major conflicts such as individuality vs. conformity. During his adventures,
Candide acquires wealth and experiences about the world. These factors cause Candide to question
his belief in optimism. After Candide listened to Martin's philosophy of pessimism, he has changed
his views from optimism of Pangloss to Martin's pessimism. At the end of the novel, Candide
rejects Pangloss' philosophy and Martin's philosophy. He begins aware of both good things and bad
things. He starts to forms his own life opinions by becoming a gardener. This is an example of
individuality vs. conformity.
In this novel, Voltaireis able to use bildungsroman to moves Candide from an innocence and
honest man to a man of wisdom and maturity. After being forced away from Westphalia, Candide
is able to acquired some knowledge about the world. He is now matured enough to be able to
sacrificed his needs for his reputation. He has gained wisdoms to develop some opinions for
himself. Finally, the novel Candide can be considered as a bildungsroman because of these

Candide Essay example
Candide
Candide, written by Voltaire during the 18th century is a celebrated novel known for it's strong
criticism of the Middle Ages and Enlightenment expressed by Voltaire. During the transformation
from the Middle Ages to The Enlightenment, social, religious and political ideas were rejected and
emphasis was placed on rationalism. Three examples of this notion that are expressed in Candide
are as follows.
Social conduct that was normally practiced during the 18th century was thrown out of the window
during the Enlightenment. Enlightenment thinkers were famous for piercing criticism. Civilians
were steadily gaining the newfound knowledge presented by various prodigies during this century.
Most people were beginning to think for...show more content...
This was also expressed by Voltairethrough a character of Candide. In the book, when Martin tells
the story of his life, he refers to two religious ideologies. The Surinamese and the Socinians. He states
that the Surinamese clergy persecuted him because they thought he was a Socinian. The Socinians
were a Christian sect formed during the Reformation. They rejected the divinity of Christ, the trinity,
and original sin. Many people of this era were beginning to do the same thing. At one point, almost
everyone practiced the Catholic religion. All things changed though, communities were beginning to
allude to new religions thus shunning the Catholic religion. Some even declared that they did not
believe in God at all. One of these newfound religions, which Martin claims to be, is Manichaeism.
These followers believe in the basis of good and evil rather than all good and the all–mighty God.
This way of thinking shocked other people of the communities, but little did they know that it would
be something expanded upon and fought for in the centuries to come.
Politics, during the 18th century, were not what someone of our modern day would think they were.
The nobles ran all cities, created and controlled all laws. Those who were in such positions to make
these decisions believed to have been lucky enough to be born into wealth and dignity. This

Candide by Voltaire Essay
Candide Voltaire's most classic work, Candide, is a satiric assault on most everything that was
prevalent in society during the author's lifetime. The entire novel can be regarded as a bleak story
where every character compares life stories to see whose life is worse. Just when the novel cannot
get anymore morbid or depressing, it does, to a much greater degree. While Candide is generally
considered a universal denunciation, it is optimism that Voltaire is attacking to the greatest degree.
However, there are numerous other satirical themes throughout the novel worth discussing. These
other areas of mockery include aristocratic snobbery, religious bigotry, militarism, and human nature.
There is good reason that Voltaire...show more content...
While all these terrible things were happening, it is no wonder Voltaire had a little problem
swallowing the "all is for the best" pill. All the foolish optimism actually had the exactly opposite
effect on him, and Candide was his way of expressing his views. His satire of optimism can be
seen throughout the book, but most heavily through the character of Pangloss the philosopher.
Pangloss and his ludicrous optimism make an impression on the reader immediately and are
constantly reinforced throughout the satire. His logic is so flawed that he comes across as an
utter imbecile. He suggests that noses are shaped the way they are so that glasses will fit them.
He even goes so far as to suggest that the venereal disease he is infected with is a blessing because
the disease also is associated with the discovery of chocolate and the New World. He also views
himself being burnt at the stake and being chained in a boat good things. However, the real satire
poking fun of the whole European fascination with Leibnizian optimism does not lie in Pangloss'
stupidity, but in all the other characters reaction to Pangloss. With such absurd reasoning, one
would think his contemporaries would ridicule Pangloss. However, the exact opposite is true.
Pangloss is referred to as "the most profound metaphysician in Germany," and he is highly
respected. This is very direct assault at Leibniz and his followers. Voltaire really makes sure he goes
out of

Candide Essay
Candide Wealth and great materialistic possession brings happiness and success to most people's
lives. Although wealth does not always bring happiness, El Dorado was one society where all it's
inhabitants lived lives full of success and happiness. In Candide, wealth proved to guarantee a
person a step forward in life and some sense of freedom. Sometimes when one lives in an
environment consisting of total equality, one may prefer to leave and go to a different place where
they would be considered superior and everyone else inferior to them. The people of El Dorado were
so wealthy that they abused the things that they possessed that others would cherish. The children
proved this when they were playing at quoits covered with tattered...show more content...
Prayer was not a part of anyone's life in this society because they all felt that there was no need to
pray since they had everything they needed. We saw that this was a belief of the Revered Sage
when he said, &quot;We have nothing to ask of Him, He has given us all we want, and we
give Him thanks incessantly.&quot; (51). To me this way of thinking was very wrong.
Prayer is a big part of my life and I feel that even if one feels that everything is perfect, prayer should
not be eliminated from their lives. Stopping the praying may lead to great misfortune. As long as
you have God in your life you will be protected and cared for. Equality and happiness among every
single person in a society may lead to one's desire to escape to another society where they would
differ. Here in El Dorado Cacambo and Candide had the chance to be rich and happy alongside
everyone else in their society, but this was not what they wanted. In societies where everyone
seems to be equal, one may at times feel the want to escape to a place where they would be in
some sense different, special, and superior. If everyone were the same, their lives would not
include any type of competition, and no one would have goals to reach to be better than anyone
else. Candide and Cacambo knew that they would be happy be happy in El Dorado, but they
preferred not to stay and feel this sense of total equality among everyone else. We saw that Candide
did not want to stay and live in

Essay On Candide

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Essay On Candide