“Look for the silver lining” and “Look on the brighter side” are both common expressions, which people are often told in difficult situations. This is also a part of the philosophy of optimism, championed by Dr. Pangloss and his ever faithful student Candide, in Voltaire’s classic novel Candide, (Voltaire, 1759). Yet the author of the novel did not subscribe to the philosophy of optimism that his main characters adhered to, in fact he had a great distain for the philosophy of optimism. Voltaire had relied heavily upon satire to describe his views of optimism and religion. Throughout the book there are numerous satirical references made to these ideas. Throughout the book the main character, Candide goes through many adventures in hopes of reaching his final goal, to marry Lady Cunegonde. Candide had to overcome great obstacles in order to get to this final goal, and had his philosophy of the world put to the test.
The philosophy of Dr. Pangloss, that he had in turn taught Candide, was that all was for the best, in this best of all possible worlds. After Candide was kicked out of his earthly paradise, (Baron Thunder-ten-tronckh’s castle), he had been tricked into becoming a hero of the Bulgar army. Later it was only, that the King of the …show more content…
It was after reuniting with her, and learning that she was still alive did he learn that she was giving her favors to Don Issachar and the Grand Inquisitor. Both of whom Candide had killed, when they came to call upon Lady Cunegonde for her favors. This meeting was something that Candide had so looked forward to yet because of it he had committed two murders, and thus had to flee with Lady Cunegonde and, her servant, the old woman. This occasion, that was meant to be so happy, turned out as a bad thing. Even, the reunion between Candide and Lady Cunegonde did not last. Candide’s optimism had failed him, for all did not result in the
The philosophy of Dr. Pangloss, that he had in turn taught Candide, was that all was for the best, in this best of all possible worlds. After Candide was kicked out of his earthly paradise, (Baron Thunder-ten-tronckh’s castle), he had been tricked into becoming a hero of the Bulgar army. Later it was only, that the King of the …show more content…
It was after reuniting with her, and learning that she was still alive did he learn that she was giving her favors to Don Issachar and the Grand Inquisitor. Both of whom Candide had killed, when they came to call upon Lady Cunegonde for her favors. This meeting was something that Candide had so looked forward to yet because of it he had committed two murders, and thus had to flee with Lady Cunegonde and, her servant, the old woman. This occasion, that was meant to be so happy, turned out as a bad thing. Even, the reunion between Candide and Lady Cunegonde did not last. Candide’s optimism had failed him, for all did not result in the