Essay on Voltaires Candide - Optimism in Candide :: Candide essays

Optimism in Candide Voltaires Candide uses anti-heroism as an end of mockery against the philosophers of the Enlightenment. Candide, the hero of the novel travels around the orbit where he encounters many a(prenominal) difficulties. During his travels, he sticks to the teaching of his tutor, Doctor Pangloss, believing that everything is for the best (3). Voltaire points out the illogicalness of this doctrine, if Columbus had not caught, on an Ameri fuel island, this sickness which attacks the source of genesis ... we should have neither chocolate or cochineal (8). The sheer folly of these illogical conclusions points out Voltaires problem with most optimists the illogical degree to which they would lead their doctrine. Voltaire would argue that noses were not designed for spectacles, but rather spectacles were designed for preexisting noses. Panglosss interpretation of cause and effect is so ignorant as to be comical. While Candide tells an interesting story, it is more importa nt as a satire. However, this does not prove Voltaire is a pessimist. During the age of Enlightenment, the philosophes believed that reason could be employ to explain everything. The philosophes believed that people could make the world a better interpose to live in. Voltaire is against such optimism. Ian Bell Says The optimist argument then, was complex and sophisticated, but corresponding all ironists Voltaire chose to simplify it to the extent that it seemed complacent and absurd, and he went on to postage stamp doubt on our chances of ever securing eternal happiness(1-2). According to Voltaire true happiness can only be experienced in an unreal world. The multitudes of disasters that Candide endures after leaving Eldorado culminate in his eventual abandonment of optimism. Candide loses four of his sheep blind drunk with priceless jewels due to natural causes, and then sees his two remaining sheep stolen, and the topical anesthetic magistrate indifferent to the theft. Cert ainly, says Candide, if everything goes well, it is in Eldorado and not in the rest of the world (42). Candide goes a step further, Oh Pangloss, cried Candide, you have no notion of these abominations Im through, I mustiness give up your optimism after all. Whats optimism? said Cacambo. Alas, said Candide, it is a warmth for saying things are well when one is in hell (40). Candides passionate view of life is contrasted with, and challenged by suffering that he endures throughout the daybook. Hence, Voltaire uses the book to satirize the foolishness of optimism.