1. Trace the way Candide’s character develops over the course of the novel. Could Candide be described as a true bildungsroman (coming-of-age story)? Why or why not?
Candide can and cannot be describe as a true bildungsroman because the ending of Candide is ambiguous and left to interpretation. In Chapter 30 paragraph 22, in response to Pangloss’ philosophizing, Candide says, “All that is very well, but let us cultivate our garden.” This can be interpreted in two ways. The first way is that Candide is merely brushing off Pangloss’ teaching, thus Candide could be described as a true bildungsroman. Candide would have better knowledge at this point after being considered naïve throughout the novel. The other way it could be interpreted is that Candide still accepts Pangloss’ teachings; he just sees the importance of actually doing something right now. With this view, this isn’t a true bildungsroman. Despite his experiences that seem to run counter to the optimistic philosophy, he still maintains belief in it.
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What are the defining characteristics of Eldorado? Do you think Voltaire sees Eldorado as “the best of all possible worlds”? Why or why not? What does the Eldorado episode reveal about the advantages/disadvantages of isolationism vs. exposure to other cultures and
Candide can and cannot be describe as a true bildungsroman because the ending of Candide is ambiguous and left to interpretation. In Chapter 30 paragraph 22, in response to Pangloss’ philosophizing, Candide says, “All that is very well, but let us cultivate our garden.” This can be interpreted in two ways. The first way is that Candide is merely brushing off Pangloss’ teaching, thus Candide could be described as a true bildungsroman. Candide would have better knowledge at this point after being considered naïve throughout the novel. The other way it could be interpreted is that Candide still accepts Pangloss’ teachings; he just sees the importance of actually doing something right now. With this view, this isn’t a true bildungsroman. Despite his experiences that seem to run counter to the optimistic philosophy, he still maintains belief in it.
2. …show more content…
What are the defining characteristics of Eldorado? Do you think Voltaire sees Eldorado as “the best of all possible worlds”? Why or why not? What does the Eldorado episode reveal about the advantages/disadvantages of isolationism vs. exposure to other cultures and