Part one of term paper
As the title of the book suggests, Candide is synonymous with optimism. Pure and unbelievably naive, Candide follows the philosophy taught him by Pangloss that this is the best of all possible worlds. Voltaire uses Candide as a tool to show the absolute ludicracy of complete optimism. At points Candide calls into doubt the credibility of Pang ...

Part two of term paper
... Candide is happy at many points in the book, especially any point where he has a chance to see his darling Cunegonde again. He seldom dwells on his misfortunes, and looks to the future for hope while many of the other characters mull over what a horrid existence they lead. The Venetian Nobleman, Lord Pococurante relates to Candide in a manner slightly different than most of the other characters. While most other characters differ from Candide by their pessimism (most notable Martin, who seems t ...