Candide Re-viewed

Title: Candide

Author: Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet)

Pages: 93

Drake Library: Yes

Reviewer Name: Michael Beuttler

Date: June 3, 2009

Smile Rating:

Premise: Candide is an eloquent, yet satirical story about a traveling philosopher who tries to see the “perfection” and optimism in everything around him, though his experiences in the tale prove otherwise. His tumultuous adventure, at times, leaves him bloody and maimed as he searches for his true love Cunégonde during a war with Bulgars. Candide, once thrown in the real world, away from his philosophy mentor Pangloss, attempts to convince himself of his mentor’s philosophy, that the world is perfect, everything happens for a reason, and it’s best to be optimistic, even when man loses any and all morality.

Quote: “It was decided by the University of Coimbra that the spectacle of a few people being ceremonially burnt over a low flame is the infallible secret of preventing earthquakes.”(Voltaire, p.13-14)

Review: Candide is a great book. The story is incredibly short, but his adventure is epic. Voltaire wrote Candide in 1759, so his language differs greatly from any modern reading. However, Voltaire, in his thinking and writing style, was way ahead of his time. His satire of those who hold optimism is what makes the story of Candide so funny, yet so true.

Voltaire portrays his philosophy by putting Candide in the utmost despairing situations. He is robbed, flogged, and without his love. You can’t understand why Candide wants to hold on to his optimism, but the frustration for Candide’s benignant behavior, besides the time his lover is threatened, is what encourages you to read more. Voltaire’s satire is frustrating at times. Candide’s experiences, like having his riches stolen, are so extreme, and with Candide’s cemented philosophy of optimism, you truly begin to resent Candide. However, the moments in which Candide denounces his mentor’s ideas are satisfying

You leave the book feeling the importance of pursuing greatness in the midst of such horrible truths; truths that would contradict any reasoning for optimism. Voltaire portrays a fantastical, yet despondent world, in a light-hearted, comical way. It’s truly a great book.

Others You’ll Like: books by Kurt Vonnegut and Micromegas by Volataire.