Candide Book by Voltaire

Candide Book by Voltaire

Candide, a novel by Voltaire, follows the misadventures of its optimistic protagonist, Candide, as he navigates a world filled with suffering, hypocrisy, and absurdity. Set against the backdrop of the Enlightenment, the story critiques philosophical optimism through Candide's encounters with war, slavery, and injustice. Throughout his journey, Candide seeks to reunite with his beloved Cunegonde, facing numerous trials that challenge his beliefs. This edition includes key themes of fate, free will, and the nature of happiness, making it essential reading for students and enthusiasts of classic literature and philosophy.

Key Points

  • Explores the philosophical themes of optimism and pessimism through Candide's journey.
  • Features significant characters like Cunegonde, Pangloss, and Martin, each representing different ideologies.
  • Set in various locations including Westphalia, El Dorado, and Constantinople, highlighting cultural contrasts.
  • Critiques societal norms and injustices prevalent during the Enlightenment era.
  • Includes a rich narrative filled with humor, irony, and satire, making it a timeless classic.
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CANDIDE
OR
OPTIMISM
Translated from the German of Dr Ralph
Together with the addenda which were found in the Doctor’s
pocket when he died at Minden in the year of grace 1759*
Candide - 1 -
Chapter 1
How Candide Was Brought Up in a Magnificent Castle,
and How He Was Expelled Thence
1
In a castle of Westphalia, belonging to the Baron of Thunder-ten-Tronckh, lived a youth whom nature had
endowed with the most gentle manners. His countenance was a true picture of his soul. He combined a true
judgment with simplicity of spirit, which was the reason, I
2
think, he was called Candide. The old servants of
the family suspected him to have been the son of the Baron’s sister, by a good, honest gentleman of the
neighborhood, whom that young lady would never marry because he had been able to prove only seventy-one
quarterings, the rest of his genealogical tree having been lost through the injuries of time.
3
The Baron was one of the most powerful lords in Westphalia, for his castle had not only a gate, but also
windows.
4
His great hall was even hung with a tapestry. All the dogs of his farm-yards formed a pack of hounds
at need; his grooms were his huntsmen; and the curate of the village was his grand almoner. They called him
“My Lord,” and laughed at all his stories.
5
The Baron’s lady weighed about three hundred and fifty pounds, and was therefore a person of great
consideration, and she did the honors of the house with a dignity that commanded still greater respect.
6
Her
daughter Cunegonde was seventeen years of age, fresh-colored, comely, plump, and desirable. The Baron’s son
seemed to be in every respect worthy of his father. The Preceptor Pangloss was the oracle of the family, and little
Candide heard his lessons with all the good faith of his age and character.
Pangloss was professor of metaphysico-theologico-cosmolo-nigology.
7
He proved admirably that there is no
effect without a cause, and that, in this best of all possible worlds, the Baron’s castle was the most magnificent
of castles, and his lady the best of all possible Baronesses.
8
“It is demonstrable,” said he, “that things cannot be otherwise than as they are; for all being created for an
end, all is necessarily for the best end. Observe, that the nose has been formed to bear spectacles—thus we have
spectacles. Legs are visibly designed for stockings—and we have stockings. Stones were made to be hewn, and
to construct castles—therefore my lord has a magnificent castle; for the greatest baron in the province ought to
be the best lodged. Pigs were made to be eaten—therefore we eat pork all the year round. Consequently they
who assert that all is well have said a foolish thing; they should have said all is for the best.”
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Candide listened attentively and believed innocently, for he thought Miss Cunegonde extremely beautiful,
though he never had the courage to tell her so. He concluded that after the happiness of being born of Baron of
Thunder-ten-Tronckh, the second degree of happiness was to be Miss Cunegonde, the third that of seeing her
every day, and the fourth that of hearing Master Pangloss, the greatest philosopher of the whole province, and
consequently of the whole world.
One day Cunegonde, while walking near the castle, in a little wood which they called a park, saw between the
bushes, Dr. Pangloss giving a lesson in experimental natural philosophy to her mother’s chamber-maid, a little
brown wench, very pretty and very docile. As Miss Cunegonde had a great disposition for the sciences, she
breathlessly observed the repeated experiments of which she was a witness; she clearly perceived the force of
the Doctor’s reasons, the effects, and the causes; she turned back greatly flurried, quite pensive, and filled with
the desire to be learned; dreaming that she might well be a sufficient reason for young Candide, and he for her.
She met Candide on reaching the castle and blushed; Candide blushed also; she wished him good morrow
in a faltering tone, and Candide spoke to her without knowing what he said. The next day after dinner, as they
went from table, Cunegonde and Candide found themselves behind a screen; Cunegonde let fall her
handkerchief, Candide picked it up, she took him innocently by the hand, the youth as innocently kissed the
young lady’s hand with particular vivacity, sensibility, and grace; their lips met, their eyes sparkled, their knees
trembled, their hands strayed. Baron Thunder-ten-Tronckh passed near the screen and beholding this cause
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End of Document
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FAQs of Candide Book by Voltaire

What is the main conflict in Candide?
The main conflict in Candide revolves around the protagonist's struggle to reconcile his optimistic beliefs with the harsh realities of the world. After being expelled from the idyllic castle of Thunder-ten-Tronckh, Candide embarks on a journey filled with suffering, witnessing war, slavery, and injustice. His unwavering hope to reunite with his beloved Cunegonde drives him forward, despite the numerous trials he faces. This conflict highlights the absurdity of blind optimism in the face of overwhelming adversity.
How does Candide's character evolve throughout the novel?
Candide's character evolves significantly throughout the novel as he confronts various hardships and philosophical dilemmas. Initially, he embodies the optimistic teachings of Pangloss, believing that everything happens for the best. However, as he experiences the brutality of war, the hypocrisy of society, and the suffering of others, his perspective begins to shift. By the end of the novel, Candide adopts a more pragmatic view, famously concluding that one must 'tend to one's garden' as a means of finding happiness and purpose.
What role does El Dorado play in Candide's journey?
El Dorado serves as a pivotal moment in Candide's journey, representing an ideal society free from the corruption and suffering found in the rest of the world. In El Dorado, Candide discovers a land where wealth has no value, and the inhabitants live in harmony, devoid of greed and strife. This experience contrasts sharply with his previous encounters and highlights the absurdity of European society's obsession with wealth and status. Ultimately, El Dorado reinforces the novel's critique of philosophical optimism, as Candide realizes that such a paradise is unattainable in reality.
What is the significance of the character Pangloss?
Pangloss is a significant character in Candide, serving as a representation of philosophical optimism, particularly the ideas of Leibniz. He teaches Candide that everything happens for a reason and that the world is the best of all possible worlds. However, as the story unfolds and Pangloss suffers numerous misfortunes, his teachings become increasingly absurd. His character ultimately critiques the notion of blind optimism, as Candide learns through experience that suffering and evil exist, challenging Pangloss's philosophy.

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