"Candide" by Voltaire

I reread the book from the very beginning because I found that the link sent to us on our blogs was a different version from the book. The condensed version on the internet seemed obviously satirical while the book is more cleverly written with the techniques of a satire hidden inside the text. One thing that I found very prominent in all the chapters that I read was Candide referring and using Dr. Pangloss' cause and effect theory. This theory reminded me of Epictetus' "The Handbook" because of the "going with nature" point of view and also Candide and Pangloss make a huge effort to strongly believe there could be other possible outcome than the present one. "For all this," said he, "is a manifestation of the rightness of things, since if there is a volcano at Lisbon it could not be anywhere else. For it is impossible for things not to be the way they are, because everything is for the best." This quote shows their passiveness towards events that could even resemble the Tralfamadorian state of mind, that what happens, happens and you have to move on. Incorporated into that idea was also the conviction that the volcano was there for a reason and we may think its silly but it gave Candide and Pangloss and explanation. Moreover, this way of thinking gave them hope and optimism for a better tomorrow so that they could continue living in whatever circumstances day to day. This way of thinking may be an explanation for Voltaire's title choice, "Candide or Optimism"

In the following chapters Dr. Pangloss and Candide contemplate the meaning of love somewhat spitefully because of their terrible misfortunes. They both were maddened by an overpowering love and they both lost her which made the men bitter, contradictory to what love is. "I Know what love is," said Candide, with a shake of his head,"this sovereign of hearts and quintessence of our souls:my entire reward has been a kiss and twenty kicks on the backside. But how could such a beautiful cause produce so hideous an effect upon you?" This quote is the essence of Candide's spite not only because he's lost his love but the fact that he is in all these terrible places and situations because of one kiss. When describing love Voltaire uses paradoxes to express how bitter-sweet love is, "In her arms I tasted the delights of Paradise, and they produced hellish torments..." This quote is a perfect example of how paradoxical love is, how beautiful yet painful it can be.