Candide

When I think of Candide I always see that person who is always so enthusiastic, so optimistic, and even a bit too happy. This kind of person, for me, is quite annoying. Like Candide these people come off as the kind of people who can not possibly be living in the same world as the rest of us. The extent of Candide's optimism, and even that of Pangloss, is plain ludicrous. Not only does this happy duo keep a smile on their faces through hardship and death, they also think nothing of the most serious situations. Most people, when confronted with a life or death situation, would show some signs of contemplation or even a reckoning with their conscience. However, in the case of Candide and Pangloss, there is no such thing.

As Candide was taking a peaceful stroll outside a Bulgar camp, it seemed like nothing meaningful or eventful, in anyway, could possibly take place. On the other hand, in Candide's world there is harsh punishment for these simple actions. When Candide's flogging occurred I knew that this interesting story was going to be a little bit out of the ordinary. Candide's composure after this first horrid event was not what I would expect from any person even in a fictional story. After laughing for some time I began to actually feel sorry for Candide because at that point I realized that he had some serious issues. The excessive optimism completely drove me nuts. Here is a man who acts as if a flogging is similar to an enjoyable mourning jog to start off your day. Now he is refreshed, and ready to continue his journey to Holland. His arrival in Holland brings him back together with Pangloss and also brings to Candide's attention some very terrific news. Everyone he once knew now has syphilis or has died. Why would I explain such a situation as I did? Well, this is because Candide and Pangloss thought of these situations as just not that important. Not important, because their optimism could carry them through any circumstances. I thought that if I personally had the optimism that they possessed, I would not accomplish anything I needed to do because there would always be hope. If it came down to summer reading for Candide, he would not do a thing and have the reassurance that his teacher would just say, "Don't worry class, those papers aren't worth a single point." Unfortunately, I did the same thing Candide did, except I knew what would really happen. Actually, during Candide's exploration of Eldorado, he acquired and lost a fortune of gold. Later, when that same thief, Vanderdendur, has his ship sunk in a battle, Candide explains this event as being the justice that always pans out in the end. At the time of this happening, Candide's companion Martin had a slightly different view on everything. He played the pessimistic view of the situation and put a realistic opinion into the scenario. This I enjoyed because I could not stand the overly positive attitude towards everything. I guess what I was waiting for was for Candide to get mad and not kill someone, but rather to just express his anger like you expect someone to.

The other subject that I felt was very obvious and continuous throughout the story was the senseless and unexplainable acts of violence. During Candide's time in Holland, I first witnessed a brutal act by him when he confronted Cunйgonde's owners and without hesitation or deliberation, killed them both. Most people in that situation, at least I think, would try to bargain with the men and try to pay them off. In the end if these men would not give up your true love, then I guess you would kill them but