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 * Key Question for //Candide//**

In //Candide//, Voltaire is satirizing the idea that this is 'the best of all possible worlds." Therefore, Voltaire wants to you answer the following question:

1. Why is this not the best of all possible worlds? But, at the same time, //Candide// is not an entirely hopeless novel. What 'rays of hope' do you see? As you post your responses to the key question also mention 'rays of hope' that you see in the novel.

Here are some specific categories to look for:
 * religion
 * kings
 * governments
 * war
 * avarice (greed)
 * social pride
 * dishonesty
 * slavery
 * inhuman treatment of others
 * disease
 * cataclysms

In the appropriate page below, respond to the key question. Essentially, you are helping us understand how Voltaire is satirizing Optimism in your section. You will present your findings to the class after the class has completed reading your section. Assessment will be based on thoroughness in identifying the targets of Voltaire's satire in your section.

Example (from a student)
 * Page 51- 52 ** //"...a negro stretched out on the ground with no more than half of his clothes left... the poor man had no left leg and no right hand...'And was it Monsieur Vanderdendur.' said Candide, 'who treated you like this?'- 'Yes, Monsieur.' said the negro...'when we...get a finger caught in the machinery they cut off the hand; but when we try to run away they cut off a leg... dogs, monkeys and parrots are a thousand times less miserable than we are...'" // This shows three factors which make this world not the best of all possible worlds; racial/social discrimination, abuse/torture and a lack of individual free will. Monsieur Vanderdendur mistreats the negro in such a fashion because of his social standing (which is significantly lower) and his skin colour, and regards himself as better than the negro because of two factors that do not determine what kind of person the negro is. Furthermore, it demonstrates violence because the man treats the negro in a harsh and deplorable manner and uses extreme methods, such as removal of body parts, to enforce his laws. Finally, he does not allow the slave to leave, and holds him there against his free will, although it is evident that, should the slave have a choice, he would leave.

Requirements:
 * 3-5 examples
 * your examples should include evidence that demonstrates why this is not the best of all possible worlds
 * remember to look for 'rays of hope'
 * as in the example above, quote your evidence and explain how it answers the key question

Chapter 13 pg. 33 "Then she ran straight to Candide: 'Flee this instant,' she said, 'or within the hour you will be burned alive.' There was not a moment to lose; but how could he part from Cunégonde, and where was he to find refuge?"

The passage shows that this is not the best of all possible worlds because it seems like something always comes between Candide and Cunégonde. They love each other so much, but it's always hard for them to stay together. In Chapter 1, the Baron caught them kissing and Candide was kicked out. Then, Candide heard that Cunégonde was raped and murdered. Finally, they have reunited, but this time, Governor comes in between and Candide is forced to run away.

Chapter 15 pg. 38 "Candide instantly drew his own sword and plunged it up to the hilt in the Jesuit Baron's belly; as he withdrew it, all steaming, he began to weep: 'Alas, dear God!' he said, 'I have killed my former master, my friend, my future brother-in-law; I am the mildest man alive, yet I have now killed three men, two of them priests.'"

Violence is another factor that shows why this isn't the best of all possible worlds. Candide is supposed to be "the mildest man alive," but he has stabbed and killed three people already, over Cunégonde. If the world was really best of all possible worlds, it wouldn't have much violence. "The mildest man" Candide has killed three people in an instant, which means there's even more violence in this world. How does that, then, make "the best of all possible worlds?"

Chapter 18 pg. 49 "'...but if we return to the old world with only a dozen sheep loaded with Eldoradean pebbles, we shall be richer than all the kings put together, we shall no longer have Inquisitors to fear, and we shall easily rescue Cunégonde.' This speech appealed to Cacambo: so pleasant it is to be on the move, to get ourselves noticed back home, and to boast of what we have seen on our travels..."

Candide and Cacambo were being well-treated at Eldorado, with no danger or threat ahead of them. However, Candide decides to go back to Europe with the "Eldoradean pebbles," or gems. Candide was greedy to go back to Europe with all the gold and be a rich man, than stay safe in Eldorado.

Chapter 18 pg. 50 "The King laughed. 'I cannot begin to understand the passion you Europeans have for our yellow mud; but take all you want, and much good may it do you."

Although Europeans and most people around the globe are filled with greed about gold and other gems, there is a place where people think of it as nothing valuable. They call it their "yellow mud" and their children play with gold, emeralds, and rubies nonchalantly. Therefore, there IS a ray of hope, here. The world isn't completely filled with greed; people of this kingdom do not even understand the concept of having jewels.