CKQJinhee

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

According to Candide, the philophohy of pangloss contradicts the phrase, “The world is the best of all possible world.” There were too many violence to be the best of all possible world. For instance, Pangloss told the citizens that the earthquake was for the best. After, he told his optimisitic ideas, he was hanged and Candide was flogged. Candide ponders whether it is the best of possible world or not. Also the Inquisitor executed Pangloss for expressing an idea, which shows it is not the best of possible world. (pg.15) Additionally, the old woman’s story and Cunegonde, represents it is not the best of possible world because they were both raped and was treated badly. They went through hardship which represented that statement. Moreover, there were one part that Pangloss was being optimistic. Eventhough, Jasque was drowning, he said it will be alright. Therefore, there too much violence and unjustified action which determined that it is not the best of all possible world. I can identify the rays of hope along the book. It seemed like Cunegonde and Candide will never meet; Pangloss informed Candid that she died. However, in the book, Cunegonde and Candide reunites and share the story of hardship, both went through. Another sign that determined hope was when in the beginning of few chapters, Candide and Cunegonde was able to escape from a city. 