Candide
Voltaire's is a novel which contains conceptual ideas and at the same time is also exaggerated. Voltaire offers sad themes disguised by jokes and witticism, and the story itself presents a distinctive outlook on life. The crucial contrast in the story deals with irrational ideas as taught to about being optimistic, versus reality as viewed by the rest of the world.
The main theme which is presented throughout the novel is optimism. Out of every unfortunate situation in the story, , the main character, has been advised by his philosopher-teacher that everything in the world happens for the better, because "Private misfortunes contribute to the general good, so that the more private ...
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"Voltaire-...have made him [] acquainted with the bad and the good side of human existence. The moral of is born out of its style; it is the art of extracting happiness from the desolate hopping-about of the human insect" (Adams; Pomeau p.137). Pomeau explains that shows both sides of humanity; how both great and terrible events are standard in a human life. Also according to Pomeau, the whole point of the story is to debate between good and bad; for example, as becomes more independent, he starts to doubt that only good comes out of life.
Pangloss is a very hopeful character in the story because he refuses to accept bad. He is also somewhat naive and believes that he could make the world a better place by spreading his theories on optimism. When had met up with Pangloss after a long period of time, Pangloss said that he was almost hanged, then dissected, then beaten. asked the philosopher if he still thought that everything was for the better, and Pangloss replied that he ...
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p. 35), meaning that the earthquake was necessary in the course of nature, and so there was definitely a rationale for the situation.
To show contrast in the story, Voltaire introduces a character whose beliefs are completely opposite than the beliefs of Pangloss. This character is Martin, a friend and advisor of Candide who he meets on his journey. Martin is also a scholar, and a spokesman for pessimism. Martin continuously tries to prove to Candide that there is little virtue, morality, and happiness in the world. When a cheerful couple are seen walking and singing, Candide tells Martin "At least you must admit that these people are happy. Until now, I have not found in the ...
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Candide. (2004, May 26). Retrieved November 18, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Candide/8454
"Candide." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 26 May. 2004. Web. 18 Nov. 2024. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Candide/8454>
"Candide." Essayworld.com. May 26, 2004. Accessed November 18, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Candide/8454.
"Candide." Essayworld.com. May 26, 2004. Accessed November 18, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Candide/8454.
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