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Example research essay topic: Voltaires Depiction Philosophical Optimism Candide - 1,291 words

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Candide Philosophy of Voltaire- What is the ideal situation in life? The question often arises, for what purpose was man placed upon the earth? It seems, in this satirical work, that Voltaire is focusing mainly on remodeling the mental limitations of mans outlook on life. It quickly becomes evident that the target of his satire, as the title suggests, is the concept of philosophical optimism. His exaggerated tales of the horrors which his characters endure, attack the idea that everything always happens for the best. These attacks on the pleasantness of life are accompanied by the absolute extremes of existence and government.

We are first introduced to Voltaires idea of absurdity as Candide listened with care as the greatest philosopher of the whole province, and consequently of the whole world, (p. 332) laid out the concept of cause and effect, and preached of the greatness of all that was about them. His unwavering optimism soon becomes questionable to the young Candide, as he is kicked from his sweet haven, after his seemingly innocent incident with the beautiful daughter of the Baron. Soon after, he is rescued by soldiers in the tavern of a nearby town, only to suffer a continually declining fate. This rise and fall of his hopes and his faith in the wisdom of Dr. Pangloss continue throughout the story.

The ultimate of ironies presents itself later, when Candide meets a diseased beggar who proves to be his Master. Pangloss, being in a state of utter despair, delivers news of all the atrocities that have occurred since the exile of his student. In his following escapades, Candide learns that Cunegund is actually alive. His quest to find her bestows upon him many more adventures, or rather hardships, in many extreme environments. Voltaires use of exaggeration seems to best suit his purpose of attack on the theory of optimism, along with qualms about religion, war, and social pride.

Throughout the story, Candide encounters the exaggerated extremes of setting. During his pursuit of Cunegund, he finds himself in Paraguay. The idea of Utopia, first conceived in the castle in Westphalia, is once again evident in Voltaires depiction of the government of Paraguay. Cacambo ironically describes the kingdom the fathers are there masters of everything, and the people have no money at all; this is the masterpiece of justice and reason. (p. 355) If one were a Jesuit in the country, then it might well seem a utopia as he would have tyrannical control. However, the idea of this perfect society is refuted by the treatment received by the Paraguayans, who are seen suffering in the fields. The next experience of a seemingly utopian setting is that of the land of the Oreillons.

The idea arises that these men, who live in a perfect state of nature, would in turn be of good will. Candide begins to question the lessons of the natural man when he discovers that he and his comrades are to be either boiled or roasted alive. He concludes, after retaining his life, and keeping faith in Dr. Pangloss creeds, that primitive people are really no worse than those who are civilized. One last example of utopian society is discovered when the adventurers find themselves in Eldorado. This particular setting is parallel with the idea a modern man might conceive of a perfect populace.

Voltaires ideal world, which in reality has not and cannot exist, provides a means for him to convey the fraudulence of the real world. His display of an overwhelmingly rich land, which most would consider a utopian state, is contrasted by Candide's desire to leave. Voltaire points out that although Candide at last finds himself happy, he is unable to be content. He wishes to impress others with an account of his experiences.

He longs for the power and superiority that he could attain with the vast wealth available to him. He also still believes that he may find Cunegund. His deep love for his lost companion being the only truly valid reason for leaving this utopian state. The people of Eldorado, who are kind, accepting, and without evil, are in that state not because of the richness of the land, but rather because of their rightness of reasoning at all times. One felt not superior to the next, each enjoyed the benefits that all others possessed, and all were content to remain in the land of Eldorado. This concept sharply contrasts the true nature of man, which is to excel, to rise above ones neighbors, and to conquer all that can be.

Voltaires depiction of this absolutely impossible utopia seems to be an attack on the idea conceived by governmental systems all over the world. Monotheism, liberty, wisdom, and overall happiness would be the perfect achievement which no government has yet or will be able to accomplish. Other attacks on society made by Voltaire consist of mans fall due to social pride, and the ideas of modern religion. Throughout the work we are subject to the progressively worsening condition of great men who have fallen from their glorious pedestal in life.

The Baron who exiled Candide, and then is killed shortly after, is the first obvious example of the fall from power. A more influential example is that of the six foreigners he met in Venice, who turned out to be Kings of fallen glory. One other incident would be that of the Jesuit Barons reaction to Candide's announcement that he expected to marry Cunegund. To this the baron exclaims You!

you have the impudence to marry my sister, who bears seventy-two quarterings! (p. 358) To further add to the inescapable evil of the world throughout all social classes, he introduces the seemingly happy Paquette and Friar Giroflee, who though appearing content, prove to be a quarreling tempest. Voltaires ideas about religion become somewhat more evident when we learn that the capable Cacambo had been a chairperson and a monk as well as a soldier and a lackey. Cacambo is confident that Cunegund will be safe under the eye of God, but one still considers the events that have taken place at the castle and those that followed. Cacambo's conclusion that it is practical for one to kill his enemies seems to show Voltaires view that there are few truly devoted religious people. In contrast, Voltaires earlier reference to his religious indifference is found when the Anabaptist saves Pangloss life from disease, and then goes on to save the life of a sailor only to lose his own. Voltaire is expressing his depiction of the abuse of the church by those clergy who were unmerciful.

In a final engagement, while on the way home one day, Candide meets, and is thoroughly impressed by an old man who concludes that man cannot understand what happens in the world. Therefore, a man should not make it worse by himself partaking in the atrociousness, but instead by learning moderation, good sense, and restraint. Suggesting the idea of working contentedly to the others, Candide is greeted by Pangloss confirmation You are in the right, for when man was put into the Garden of Eden, it was with an intent to dress it: and this proves that man was not born to be idle. (p. 400) Here Voltaire seems to stress his main point that understanding ones boundaries and being content to live with what we are given, rather than pursue happiness, is itself the key to life. He points out that as a result of Candide abandoning his philosophical optimism, the characters may now be happy to cultivate their garden. Rather than rampage over the world in search of truth or else sit idle as all passes by, one should do what is within his moderation and capabilities.


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Research essay sample on Voltaires Depiction Philosophical Optimism Candide

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