Abstract How we view death is often determined by how we view life. This paper examines how two stories that illustrate opposite points of view regarding this subject are William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and Francois Voltaire's "Candide." It looks at how with Hamlet, Shakespeare presents us with a character whose life is totally disrupted and for all intents and purposes, destroyed by death. From the onset of the play, Hamlet is forced to deal with death. In contrast, it shows how Voltaire looks at death in a completely different way through the theme of resurrection. With "Candide," we see how death hardly has an impact on the characters at all and how this notion is emphasized through the resurrection of Pangloss, Cunegonde and her brother, the baron.
From the Paper "The physical aspect of death strikes Hamlet when he discovers Yorick's skull. The skull is a very real symbol of death that leaves a lasting impression in Hamlet's mind. In a very real sense, Hamlet has touched death. We see the impact this scene has on Hamlet when he says, "Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft. Where be your gibes now? your gambols? your songs?" (Shakespeare V.i.164-5). Hamlet sees the skull but he also sees Yorick very clearly. This moment leads him to consider the fact that all human beings end their lives in this fashion, including the politician to the pauper. Hamlet realizes that even in death, Caesar "turned to clay" (V.i.185)."
An analysis of Voltaire's satirical critique of Europe as presented in the story of "Candide." This paper explores the exploitation of women through feminist criticism.
Abstract In Voltaire's "Candide", the accounts of three women serve to exemplify the questions of gender status in Voltaire's Europe. The stories of Cunegonde, Paquette, and the Old Woman are discussed to highlight the suffering of women during this time period. Collectively, the three women and their tales are used to demonstrate that regardless of financial status, political roots, or physical appearance, women are destined to encounter hardships. A variety of contemporary examples are provided to loosely draw a connection between Voltaire's Europe and the state of affairs in our current society.
From the Paper "In Voltaire's "Candide", women are used to accentuate the exploitation of the female race in Voltaire's Europe. In the course of the story, we meet several different women, each of whom provides an account of intense suffering and hardship. Cunegonde, for example, was the daughter of a German baron. At the outset, she is described as a beautiful young woman. However, by the end of the story, her physical beauty has diminished as a result of the persecution and abuse she suffered. The old woman, as we know her, was the daughter of a Pope. She provides perhaps the most disturbing story, which includes the death of her spouse, rape, and cannibalism. Again, Voltaire's satire is evident as he demonstrates that not even strong political affiliation could save her from suffering. The third character, Paquette, was originally a chambermaid for Cunegonde's mother. Her story is filled with tales of forlorn prostitution and affliction. Each of these women highlights the oppression and sexual abuse endured by females in Voltaire's satiric critique of Europe. In essence, they act as submissive recipients of action who possess very little complexity or importance."
Abstract In this paper the author examines the work of Voltaire and looks at social evil as demonstrated in Candide. The author makes mention of what happened to Candide and suggest that human beings are able, through great philosophical effort and not through mere creed and dogma, to create some good out of the sweat of one's own brow and the effort of one's own mind.
From the paper:
?Voltaire is secular in the sense that he mocks religion and is anti-Catholic in the sense that he does not believe in innate human goodness. Yet his belief that the only value lies in acceptance of the world as it is, which Candide finally achieves, also shows that he is not entirely a cynic.?
Abstract This paper examines how Voltaire uses his writing of "Candide" for his powerful crusade against injustice and bigotry. It discusses how this work reflected the society at the time of the Enlightenment and how Voltaire belonged to the Enlightenment movement. The paper then summarizes the story of "Candide".
From the Paper "Voltaire earned much fame and criticism at the same time for his powerful crusade against injustice and bigotry, expressed in brilliant literature. He went up against the government and the Catholic hierarchy, particularly because of the Grand Inquisition. His character, Candide, was very much patterned after his own personality and experience, but his character begins by believing in goodness as prevailing in the world and ends the same way, despite his (Voltaire?s) deadly cynicism. His famous phrase, ?the best of possible worlds,? has been his landmark, and the question that follows is, "what then are the others"? "
Tags: enlightenment, france, movement, Cunegonde, Pangloss, Cacambo
Abstract This paper discusses "Candide," written by Voltaire. The paper reflects on the satiric themes in the work. The paper focuses on the themes of nobility, the horrors and follies of war, and rationalism. Concrete examples for these themes are provided, and the paper also demonstrates how they were applied in "Candide".
From the Paper "Much of Voltaire's work sounds agnostic. He was known to study Greek and Latin classics and was well versed in the Bible. But, he rejected most Christian views and although he believed God created the world, he was sure that God did not care about man's everyday life. Voltaire supported the King of France but was accused of satirical writing against his son which landed him in Bastille. "Because of insults to the regent, Philippe II d'Orleans, wrongly ascribed to him, Voltaire was sent to the Bastille (1717) for 11 months." (Yahoo Education) While in jail he wrote Henriade and Candide which were both critical of the church. "In 1726 a young nobleman, the chevalier de Rohan, resenting a witticism made at his expense by Voltaire, had Voltaire beaten." (Yahoo Education) When Voltaire tried to fight back he was thrown in prison a second time. These events and his own minor station in life led him to become disgusted with the abuse of position so he left France for England upon his release from Bastille."
Abstract This paper examines how Voltaire's "Candide" is the story of an innocent man's experiences in a mad and sometimes evil world. It tells of his struggles to survive and his need to come to terms with it. It shows how, along his journey, he faces many misfortunes and how he continues to believe that there is a "cause and effect" for everything.
From the Paper "Throughout Candide, the reader can see how accepting situations instead of trying to change or overcome obstacles can cause severe damage. Although life is full of struggles, it would be nonproductive if people passively accepted whatever fate had in store for them, while shrugging off their personal responsibility. Voltaire believes people should not allow themselves to be victims. He sneers at naive individuals who accept everything, stating that people must work to reach their utopia (Bottiglia, 1968, p. 93)."
