Posted: December 4th, 2013
candide
English 201
Final Essay Assignment
It might be suggested that the character Candide is only a conduit for two opposing philosophies: eternal optimism (rooted in determinism) and cynical pessimism (it doesn’t matter what choice man makes, the worst will happen). We could diagram three characters, Candide, Pangloss, and Martin as:
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In the novel, we see language such as “all is for the best,” and “in the best of all possible worlds” in several passages. Primarily, this is the philosophy that Candide’s mentor, Pangloss, held and what he repeatedly taught his student through “real life” observations, even of events that most of us would consider disastrous.He seems to be able to “reframe” these events and spin them into something positive. However, scholar Martin expects the worst of the world and, therefore, is never disappointed. He states that humans are bound to live “either in convulsions of misery or in the lethargy of boredom.” Simply put, both men are absolutely optimistic or pessimistic. Pangloss embraces the philosophy of determinism, while Martin holds that all circumstances are created by man’s free will (or choices). For most of the novel, Candide seems to teeter between the two ideas. However, at some point, Candide finds his own “north star” of truth. Your task for this essay is to discuss what this “north star” is.
You should begin your essay with a discussion of the two philosophies—determinism versus free will. Do not simply copy an explanation or definition off the internet. Research these ideas, then explain them in your own voice. Cite paraphrases.
State in one succinct sentence Candide’s ultimate discovery verbalized as “’Excellently observed,’ answered Candide; “but we must cultivate our garden.’” Support that assertion with quotes from scholarly works.
After you have discussed Candide’s ultimate understanding of life, see if you can connect events or people that influenced him in his thinking? For example, consider Candide’s love for Cunegonde. How did that love drive his actions? (You may select three characters or events to comment on).
Finally, conclude your essay with a discussion answering the question does Voltaire seem to claim that it is a bit too much to ask to be happy in this life. The best we can do is to make it bearable?
This essay must be at least eight pages long (to the end of the eighth page), must contain in text citations for all quoted or paraphrased content, and must include a properly formatted Works Cited page.
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