Candide

CANDIDE

By

Voltaire

Throughout Candide the author, Voltaire, demonstrates the character's experiences in a cruel world and his fight to gain happiness. In the beginning Candide expects to achieve happiness without working for his goal and only taking the easy way out of all situations. However, by the end of the book the character

realized that to achieve happiness a lot of work, compromises, and sacrifices are necessary.

Candide is a person of privilege who began life in the Castle of Westphalia. While a part of the castle-life, Candide was taught by Dr. Pangloss. Pangloss is a philosopher who teaches there is a cause for all things and that everything is all for the good, even though a person may not understand it at the time. Suddenly, however, Candide is exiled from the privileged confines of the castle when he is caught kissing Cunegonde, the daughter of the Baron. Upon his exile Candide immediately begins to face adversities. Candide finds himself in the army simply because he is the right size. His life in the army is nothing but turmoil and hardship. Despite the misfortunes of army life, Candide continues to believe there is a cause and effect for all things.

After leaving the army, Candide once again is paired with his mentor Dr. Pangloss. Pangloss is now a diseased beggar. Pangloss is soon cured of his disease and he and Candide are befriended by a charitable Anabaptist. Candide's life continues, however, to be full of misfortune. Candide believes that if he could once again find his true love, Cunegonde, he could be happy and fulfilled. When he does meet Cunegonde life does not become any easier or richer. At this reunion, Candide does begin to take his life's matters into his own hands. His first attempt at this accomplishment is shown when he kills Cunegonde's rapists. Though life does not become any easier, at this point Candide begins to grow from a naГЇve young person into a grown realist. Cunegonde suddenly leaves Candide for a wealthy man. The man's wealth, however, proves not to bring happiness to either Cunegonde or Candide.

Candide realizes he must take responsibility for his life. He must accept situations and try to change obstacles that may be hindrances. Candide learns that labor