As we approach the final chapters of Candide’s story the reader is shown the conclusion to all of the past events. As the chapters subtitle clearly states, Conclusion, every teaching is given a certain importance. Some things are disregarded and the reader is, in a way, told they are wrong: “Pangloss allowed that his sufferings had been uniformly horrible; but as he had once maintained that everything would turn out right in some marvelous way, he still maintained it would, however little he believed it” (140). The change in Pangloss throughout the book led me to one idea. The human race is incapable of true satisfaction. This idea is what Voltaire wanted the reader to get to. The suffering and joy that is experienced in Candide’s life meant he was never happy. Pangloss believed strongly in what he said but life made that determination change. He made others believe something that he now did not believe. Few moments of joy marked Candide’s life: Cunegonde, the finding of El Dorado, and some others. These moments of joy led to the search of more joy and the consequence was the loss of happiness.
In one of the final chapters Candide asks if “…men have always massacred each other” (96). The response Martin gives him leads us to believe that it is human nature to do what we do. Candide does not agree with the answer and mentions “‘Oh, but there’s a great difference,’ said Candide; ‘for free Will…’” (96). This answer is one I have been looking for since the first chapter. I my first blog, Voltaire: Free Or Trapped, I mentioned free will and what Candide thought of it. Most of what I mentioned was speculation, but I now know that he does believe in free will. Voltaire was able to conclude all of the main ideas he in one point discussed, leaving the reader with great knowledge.
I love how you come back to your first blog. However, try changing you're approach. Look at Laura's blogs. They might open up what might have become a cadence.
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