"Candide" - Optimism vs. Reality

Discusses how the story of "Candide" by Voltaire deals with irrational ideas taught to Candide about being optimistic versus realistic, as seen by the rest of the world.

1,403 words () | 5 sources | APA | 2004 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how Candide learns to become his own person, to accept life for what it has to offer, and that not everything has to be analyzed to decide whether or not it was good or bad. It discusses how, in this way, Candide can be an example to all those who read his story.

From the Paper:

"Francois-Marie Arouet De Voltaire's Candide is a novel written in 1759 containing many conceptual ideas yet, at the same time, is exaggerated. Voltaire offers sad events that are veiled with jokes and witticism. The story itself presents a unique outlook on life. The story deals with irrational ideas taught to Candide about being optimistic rather than realistic as the rest of the world. The most significant theme presented throughout the story is optimism. Out of every ill-fated situation in the story, his philosopher-teacher advises Candide, the main character, that everything in the world happens for the best. He advises that private misfortunes contribute to the general good. The more misfortunes that occur, the more people find that all is well (Voltaire 16). Pangloss, the philosopher, states that everything has a purpose and things that occur are always for the best. Whenever something unfortunate occurs while Candide is growing up, Pangloss turns the situation around and identifies the good in it."

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APA Citation:

"Candide" - Optimism vs. Reality (2012, January 15). Retrieved February 10, 2012, from http://www.academon.com/Analytical-Essay-Candide-Optimism-vs-Reality/57735