No Choice

In these chapters, a big change can be seen in Candide. At the beginning of his life he was a more accepting and peaceful person. If someone would propose something that did not sound very good he would do it. As he develops and learns, his attitude and tolerance evolve: “My master Pangloss used to tell me that men are equal; and I shall marry her without any hesitation” (67). Candide expresses what he has learned and clearly states that he is going to proceed with his plan. Some might see this as a deterioration of his character but I see it as an improvement. You always have to respect others but you can also express your ideas. Candide is now self-confident person who can express his ideas even if others disagree.

Race has always been a big part of the world. Even though slavery has been abolished discrimination still continues. When Candide expresses his wishes to marry Cunegonde he is rejected. People many times judge those whom their loved ones are going to spend their time with, and just because of class some are rejected. Since Candide was not part of the royalty that was expected he was not worthy. Instead of looking at how much love is being expressed the colonel looks at status. In this video we can see how a father and mother make a daughter marry a certain man. This tradition is part of many countries and still exists today. Voltaire tries to show the reader the wrongdoing of this, from an early stage in history. Even though Candide many times criticizes what has happened in his past he is living in the present. Unlike Billy Pilgrim he is able to regret certain decisions while living in the present.