Explain and support your interpretation of Candide’s final statement “but let us cultivate our garden.” in relation to the novel as a whole and contemporary society here in the United States of America
During the Enlightened era of European society many works of literature and art were produced reflecting the ideas and concepts of the time. Philosophes and other enlightened thinkers used literature to spread the ideas of their society and challenge others with their thoughts. A well known philosophe of the time was Voltaire, who, through the work of his satirical novel Candide, provided readers with the concepts of the Enlightenment while simultaneously incorporating a humorous platform. Candide follows the life and adventures of a naïve young man named Candide. Candide has been raised following the ideas of optimism and the story follows his changing perception of the world as he has more experiences and encounters a variety of things. Candide’s final statement: “All that is very well,” answered Candide, “but let us cultivate our garden”, reflects contemporary American society and the acceptance of happiness in our lives, as well as how it can be interpreted and attained.
As the story of Candide begins, he’s living in a relatively small society and has been taught all his life the idea of optimism. His view is that all things that occur in the world happen “for the better”, and that it’s all in accordance to a greater plan. Early in the story Candide is forced to leave his home and also the love of his life, Cunégonde. After he leaves he's immediately exposed to negative experiences while still maintaining his optimistic view. He's tortured and finally chooses death instead of continuing his beating when he's conveniently saved by the king of the Bulgars. Candide's attitude toward life and other situations reflects the attitude of contemporary American society. The "pursuit of happiness" can be compared to optimism and the common American's belief that they deserve happiness. Both views share the belief that happiness will eventually be achieved, and possibly without work.
As the story progresses Candide accumulates knowledge about the world which affects his interpretation of optimism and of happiness. By the end of the story he is reunited with Cunégonde a final time. Her appearance has altered significantly and she is no longer the beautiful woman she once was. He discovers that he does not want to be with her, but as he has promised previously that they would wed, he does not refuse her and they do. The simplicity of the farm life intrigued Candide and found that he could maintain a tolerable existence through self improvement and work. His decision reflects a matured perspective of the pursuit of happiness. Candide accepts a simple life that will provide him with an individual happiness, but differs from what contemporary American society expects.
Citizens of the contemporary American society abuse their belief that they deserve happiness but are not willing to work for it in most instances, just as Candide believed that all things happened for the best and that they resided in the best of worlds. Though as Candide matured through his experiences contemporary American society remains relatively stubborn. When Candide says "but let us cultivate our garden", he acknowledges his ability to attain an individual happiness and is content with what he has. As society matures it seems likely that most people will too develop a similar view and acceptance of what's attainable for the individual.
During the Enlightened era of European society many works of literature and art were produced reflecting the ideas and concepts of the time. Philosophes and other enlightened thinkers used literature to spread the ideas of their society and challenge others with their thoughts. A well known philosophe of the time was Voltaire, who, through the work of his satirical novel Candide, provided readers with the concepts of the Enlightenment while simultaneously incorporating a humorous platform. Candide follows the life and adventures of a naïve young man named Candide. Candide has been raised following the ideas of optimism and the story follows his changing perception of the world as he has more experiences and encounters a variety of things. Candide’s final statement: “All that is very well,” answered Candide, “but let us cultivate our garden”, reflects contemporary American society and the acceptance of happiness in our lives, as well as how it can be interpreted and attained.
As the story of Candide begins, he’s living in a relatively small society and has been taught all his life the idea of optimism. His view is that all things that occur in the world happen “for the better”, and that it’s all in accordance to a greater plan. Early in the story Candide is forced to leave his home and also the love of his life, Cunégonde. After he leaves he's immediately exposed to negative experiences while still maintaining his optimistic view. He's tortured and finally chooses death instead of continuing his beating when he's conveniently saved by the king of the Bulgars. Candide's attitude toward life and other situations reflects the attitude of contemporary American society. The "pursuit of happiness" can be compared to optimism and the common American's belief that they deserve happiness. Both views share the belief that happiness will eventually be achieved, and possibly without work.
As the story progresses Candide accumulates knowledge about the world which affects his interpretation of optimism and of happiness. By the end of the story he is reunited with Cunégonde a final time. Her appearance has altered significantly and she is no longer the beautiful woman she once was. He discovers that he does not want to be with her, but as he has promised previously that they would wed, he does not refuse her and they do. The simplicity of the farm life intrigued Candide and found that he could maintain a tolerable existence through self improvement and work. His decision reflects a matured perspective of the pursuit of happiness. Candide accepts a simple life that will provide him with an individual happiness, but differs from what contemporary American society expects.
Citizens of the contemporary American society abuse their belief that they deserve happiness but are not willing to work for it in most instances, just as Candide believed that all things happened for the best and that they resided in the best of worlds. Though as Candide matured through his experiences contemporary American society remains relatively stubborn. When Candide says "but let us cultivate our garden", he acknowledges his ability to attain an individual happiness and is content with what he has. As society matures it seems likely that most people will too develop a similar view and acceptance of what's attainable for the individual.