Part one of term paper
m By: Russell Lankford Francis Marie Arouet de Voltaire was the French author of the novella Candide, also known as “Optimism”(Durant and Durant 724). Many of Voltaire’s works were popular in Europe during his time, yet it is his satire, Candide, which is still studied today. In Candide, Voltaire sought to point out the fallacy of Gott ...

Part two of term paper
... Martin was the quintessential pessimist, and Candide’s trusted friend and advisor. Martin continuously tried to prove to Candide that there is little virtue, morality and happiness in the world. When a cheerful couple was seen walking and singing, Candide told Martin, “At least you must admit that these people are happy”(94). Martin quickly replied, “I wager they are not”(94). The only basis Martin had for his judgment was the sight of two outwardly content people, yet somehow he was ...