What would you like to read?Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...
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What would you like to read?Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...
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1694-1778
No author biography available.
1759
Voltaire
1759
Translated by Onerva L.
A novel written in the mid-18th century. The book is a satirical exploration of optimism and the human condition, notably critiquing the philosophy espoused by thinkers such as Leibnitz, who claimed that we live in the best of all possible worlds. The story follows the naive protagonist, Candide, whose innocence clashes with the harsh realities of life as he embarks on a journey filled with misfortune and absurdity. At the start of ''Candide,'' we learn about the titular character's upbringing in the opulent castle of Baron Thunder-ten-Tronckh, where he is educated by the philosopher Pangloss, who teaches him that everything happens for the best. Candide develops a romantic interest in Kunigunda, the baron's daughter, but after an innocent kiss, he is banished from the castle. The narrative then unfolds into a series of misadventures as Candide grapples with betrayal, war, and the fundamentally cruel nature of existence, while grappling with the teachings of Pangloss that continue to echo throughout his journey. The opening establishes the foundation for a critique of blind optimism as Candide begins to confront the grim realities of the world around him.
