Book Review Candide



Candide

Book Review

Candide is book written by François-Marie Arouet, who was later known as Voltaire. The book is written in an optimistic point of view showing that no matter how worse things get at one time; there is always a better front ahead. The book revolves around the protagonist a German illegitimate nephew of a Baron. The first 5 chapters show that he is a simple fellow who had never experienced the real world and lived a sheltered life. He was taught by scholar named Pangloss who was a believer of the philosophy 'the glass is always half full'. According to him this was the best world of all. Thus Candide lived a life of luxury and was taught unrealistically noble beliefs. His world was suddenly snatched from him when his uncle caught him kissing his daughter Cunegonde and he was exiled. For the first time in his life, he was left to fend for himself. He left and got lost and was happened upon by two men, in a state of sickness and half starvation. They nursed him back to health and got him conscripted in the Army. A tragedy, narrated by the author of Candide losing his family, position, status and wealth yet, the optimism is also observed here that he happened upon two kindly souls who took care of him. His carefree nature soon got him trouble with the military. After having his first look at wars he ran away from the military. He flees to Holland where a kindly Anabaptist gives him shelter. While working for him, Candide meets a deformed beggar who turns out to be his teacher Pangloss. He finds out that Pangloss had syphilis which he got from Paquette. He also informs Candide that the Baron and his family were raped and murdered by the Bulgar Army. Jacques employees Pangloss as well after treating him for syphilis and the three of them head for Lesbon, but on the journey, Jacques drowns in the sea. Yet again the book veers towards the negatives.

In the next 5 chapters, we see that upon reaching land Pangloss is hanged for being a heretic and Candide whipped for being his avid listener and believer. Again our faith is redeemed as we find that he is nursed back to health by an old crone, who takes him to Cunegonde. She tells Candide that although the rest of her family was killed while she was just raped and sold by the captain to a Jew. In a manner which was completely unexpected the author shows, no matter how dark things get there is always a new dawn. He used her for her sexual needs, and lately was sharing her with the Grand Inquisitor. The Jew and Grand Inquisitor happened upon them while Cunegonde was regaling her tale, but both were killed by Candide in his rage and jealousy. After the horrible deed they fled for South America and on the way hear the story of the old lady ...