Optimism In Candide
Candide
Written by Voltaire, Candide, is a story heavy with political satire. Meant to critique the philosopher Leibniz, Candide, explores optimism through humor, caricature, and satire. Candide is the story of a man (Candide) who is exiled from the Baron’s castle for having an affair with Cunegonde. The story follows Candide as he journeys through vastly different geographies interacting with a series of supporting characters. The book ends with the main cast of characters having survived a series of trials and pain settling down on a farm. The interactions between the characters expose Voltaire's philosophy regarding optimism. Through the conversations and experiences of the characters in Candide, a critique of optimism and philosophizing is presented and then exposed and explored.
One of the central quotations contained within, Candide, is the statement that “All is for the best…in the best of all possible worlds” this statement is meant to lay the foundation for the rest of the text and overall criticism of optimism. The main proponent of optimism within the text is, Dr. Pangloss. Dr. Pangloss maintains his worldview …show more content…
despite ongoing tragedy. It is asked within the text, "'When you were hanged, dissected, stunned with blows and made to row in the galleys, did you always think that everything was for the best in this world?’" (140). Despite these ongoing negative experiences and the absence of concrete reason to believe that things are really for the best, optimism is still maintained. This leaves the reader feeling as if optimism is not a worthwhile pursuit but rather one for fools.
Voltaire utilizes humor in order to make many of the points regarding his critique of optimism. Voltaire’s main points are made through exaggeration. For example, Voltaire states, "'Observe that noses were made to wear spectacles; and so we have spectacles…consequently, those who have asserted all is well talk nonsense; they ought to have said that all is for the best" (4). In this example, Voltaire exaggerates the points of everything happening for a reason. Through the use of the larger-than-life reference to the reason for spectacles, Voltaire lays the groundwork for the next part of the statement. When Voltaire writes that, "they ought to have said all is for the best" he is indicating the perhaps this statement is also of nonsense. Not only does Voltaire make the inflated and grandiose claims regarding the fact that everything happens for a reason he also exaggerates the definition of optimism. Voltaire writes, "'What is optimism?', said Cacambo. 'Alas!' said Candide, 'it is the mania of maintaining that everything is well when we are wretched'" (83). Using exaggerated metaphors and ludicrous statements (everything is well when we are wretched) Voltaire highlights his views on the nature of optimism.
Candide ends with all of the main characters reunited and joined.
In the final scenes of Candide, the readers are left with Candide rejecting philosophical thinking and speculation in favor of work. Voltaire writes, “Work keeps at bay three great evils: boredom, vice, and need" (148). Further, Voltaire writes, "Let us work without theorizing,' said Martin; ''tis the only way to make life endurable” (149). The second central quotation ends the philosophizing of optimism. With the focus not on philosophy or optimism, it is stated within the text, “We must cultivate our gardens” (149). Taking into context with the end of the book and the general return to work and shunning of optimism this quotation can be taken both literally and figuratively. Through tending the gardens on is kept busy with work and away from the pursuits of optimism and
theory.
Throughout the text of Candide, Voltaire presents one view regarding optimism then he presents a series of events that highlight how optimistic thinking is a liability. Instead of "tending their gardens" the characters end up in increasingly worse and brutal situations. When the pursuits of optimism are left and work is taken up the characters finally have peace. Through humor and exaggeration, Voltaire makes his point that optimism alone is not a reason to abandon action.
Written by Voltaire, Candide, is a story heavy with political satire. Meant to critique the philosopher Leibniz, Candide, explores optimism through humor, caricature, and satire. Candide is the story of a man (Candide) who is exiled from the Baron’s castle for having an affair with Cunegonde. The story follows Candide as he journeys through vastly different geographies interacting with a series of supporting characters. The book ends with the main cast of characters having survived a series of trials and pain settling down on a farm. The interactions between the characters expose Voltaire's philosophy regarding optimism. Through the conversations and experiences of the characters in Candide, a critique of optimism and philosophizing is presented and then exposed and explored.
One of the central quotations contained within, Candide, is the statement that “All is for the best…in the best of all possible worlds” this statement is meant to lay the foundation for the rest of the text and overall criticism of optimism. The main proponent of optimism within the text is, Dr. Pangloss. Dr. Pangloss maintains his worldview …show more content…
despite ongoing tragedy. It is asked within the text, "'When you were hanged, dissected, stunned with blows and made to row in the galleys, did you always think that everything was for the best in this world?’" (140). Despite these ongoing negative experiences and the absence of concrete reason to believe that things are really for the best, optimism is still maintained. This leaves the reader feeling as if optimism is not a worthwhile pursuit but rather one for fools.
Voltaire utilizes humor in order to make many of the points regarding his critique of optimism. Voltaire’s main points are made through exaggeration. For example, Voltaire states, "'Observe that noses were made to wear spectacles; and so we have spectacles…consequently, those who have asserted all is well talk nonsense; they ought to have said that all is for the best" (4). In this example, Voltaire exaggerates the points of everything happening for a reason. Through the use of the larger-than-life reference to the reason for spectacles, Voltaire lays the groundwork for the next part of the statement. When Voltaire writes that, "they ought to have said all is for the best" he is indicating the perhaps this statement is also of nonsense. Not only does Voltaire make the inflated and grandiose claims regarding the fact that everything happens for a reason he also exaggerates the definition of optimism. Voltaire writes, "'What is optimism?', said Cacambo. 'Alas!' said Candide, 'it is the mania of maintaining that everything is well when we are wretched'" (83). Using exaggerated metaphors and ludicrous statements (everything is well when we are wretched) Voltaire highlights his views on the nature of optimism.
Candide ends with all of the main characters reunited and joined.
In the final scenes of Candide, the readers are left with Candide rejecting philosophical thinking and speculation in favor of work. Voltaire writes, “Work keeps at bay three great evils: boredom, vice, and need" (148). Further, Voltaire writes, "Let us work without theorizing,' said Martin; ''tis the only way to make life endurable” (149). The second central quotation ends the philosophizing of optimism. With the focus not on philosophy or optimism, it is stated within the text, “We must cultivate our gardens” (149). Taking into context with the end of the book and the general return to work and shunning of optimism this quotation can be taken both literally and figuratively. Through tending the gardens on is kept busy with work and away from the pursuits of optimism and
theory.
Throughout the text of Candide, Voltaire presents one view regarding optimism then he presents a series of events that highlight how optimistic thinking is a liability. Instead of "tending their gardens" the characters end up in increasingly worse and brutal situations. When the pursuits of optimism are left and work is taken up the characters finally have peace. Through humor and exaggeration, Voltaire makes his point that optimism alone is not a reason to abandon action.