'Candide' by Voltaire is a satirical novel that follows the misfortunes of the young man Candide as he travels through various adventures and encounters absurd situations. The book explores philosophical themes such as optimism and pessimism in a light-hearted and humorous tone, challenging the idea of the best of all possible worlds. Voltaire's writing style is witty and satirical, using Candide's journey to critique society and question human behavior.

Characters:

The characters are colorful and represent various philosophical outlooks, particularly Candide's naivety and Pangloss's rigid optimism.

Writing/Prose:

Voltaire's writing style is lively and straightforward, employing humor and satire to critique society.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows the misadventures of Candide, who, despite facing numerous disasters, tries to maintain an optimistic outlook, which Voltaire ultimately critiques.

Setting:

The setting spans various locations in 18th-century Europe and the Americas, contrasting wealth and poverty.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and engaging, with short chapters that create a sense of urgency and continual movement.

IN THE castle of Baron Thunder-ten-tronckh in Westphalia, there once lived a youth endowed by nature with the gentlest of characters. His soul was revealed in his face. He combined rather sound judgme...

Notes:

Candide was first published in French as "Candide ou l'Optimisme" in 1759.

The novel is a satire of the philosophical optimism promoted by Leibniz, summarized by the phrase "all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds."

Voltaire wrote Candide in response to the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, which he viewed as a challenge to the belief that the world is perfectly ordered.

The story follows Candide, who is expelled from a baron's castle after being caught kissing the baron's daughter, Cunegonde.

Candide encounters a series of misfortunes including war, torture, and slavery, which highlight the absurdity of blind optimism.

The book discusses a range of serious topics, including religion, government, war, and human suffering, through dark humor and satire.

One moral of the story is that hard work and practicality (symbolized by the advice to "cultivate your garden") are essential to a happy life.

The book has been banned at various times due to its critiques of organized religion and its portrayal of corruption and hypocrisy in society.

Despite its serious themes, Candide is known for its witty, accessible writing and a fast-paced narrative style.

Voltaire wrote Candide in just three days, showcasing his sharp wit and satirical prowess.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include violence, sexual assault, slavery, and various forms of brutality.

Has Romance?

There is a romantic subplot primarily focused on Candide's love for Cunegonde.

From The Publisher:

Witty and caustic, Candide has ranked as one of the world's great satires since its first publication in 1759. In the story of the trials and travails of the youthful Candide, his mentor Dr. Pangloss, and a host of other characters, Voltaire mercilessly satirizes and exposes romance, science, philosophy, religion, and government. A selection of the Common Core State Standards Initiative.

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1 comment(s)

mumane344

Loved It

6 months

El anti-alquimista.

Dejaros de basuras new-age y leer este libro, mas aventura, mas diversion y mejor mensaje.

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About the Author:

Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet) (1694-1778) was one of the key thinkers of the European Enlightenment. Of his many works, Candide remains the most popular.Peter Constantine was awarded the 1998 PEN Translation Award for Six Early Stories by Thomas Mann and the…

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Candide

Voltaire