CKQ+JennyY

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.

Candide gets dismayed after hearing about the death of his loved one, Cunegonde. He wonders if this really is the best of all worlds: "'Cunegonde, dead! Ah, best of both worlds, where are you now?" (p. 10). However, Pangloss is able to assuage his agitation and anxiety as well as his uncertainty about living in the best of all worlds.

Pangloss goes on explaining the positive aspects of this world: " for if Columbus, on an island off the Americas, had not contracted this disease - which poisons the source of all procreation, and often even prevents procreation, contrary though this be to nature's great plan - we would have neither chocolate nor chochinea; it should be noted moreover that so far the disease, like religious controversy, has been peculiar to the inhabitants of our continent..." (p.11). Also, the Anabaptist disagreed with the concepts and morals Candide and Pangloss had believed in. He thought that man was naturally born evil and even without God's willpower of making man become violent javelins in use, they have become so through their own power. As Candide further continues his journey with Pangloss and the Anabaptist. The Anabaptist fatefully ends dying. Candide again debates whether he is alive in the best world. He regains his hope and faith by surviving the shipwreck with Pangloss and being fed a satiating dinner.

A daunting earthquake frightens Candide Cataclysms would be very hard for Candide to understand since they are natural of the world and it is an inherent juncture. Not only did Candide have to witness the Anabaptist's death, but his loyal philosopher, Pangloss hanged. Candide was crushed and shaken by such a violent world that he opened doors to the idea of other, better worlds. "'If this is the best of all possible worlds, what must the others be like?" (p. 16). He regains some hope thanks to an old lady that provides him clothes, treatment, and food.

Candide's world gets revived as a consequence of finding Mademoiselle Cunegonde alive. She assures him that bad happenings are not always fatal. "but these things are not always fatal." (p. 18)

Even Cunegonde disagrees with Pangloss strongly: "Panglos dieceived me cruelly, after all, when he told me that all is for the best in this world." It is analytical for Candide to question what kind of world he is living in after all of these coarse proceedings and the circumstances lead a logical mind to question such environments.