CandideJoin now to read essay CandideThroughout the novel, Candide, Voltaire repeatedly exploits the nature of humans to consider others situations and lifestyles to be better than that of their own. Voltaire uses Candides journeys to portray the human assumption that the grass is always greener on the other side. This theme is shown in Candides strife for companionship, his experience with wealth, and his interaction with other characters. The situations that develop the theme do so in such a way that the reader is able to understand and relate to the aspirations of Candide.
The first element used to convey the fact that Candide looks at others situations sees what he would like to have is in his journey to find the ideal companion. Throughout his adventures, Candide comes upon many different men with many different companionship situations. For example, during Candides time with Count Pococurant, Voltaire indicates to the reader that Candide is impressed with the counts two women. (118) The amazement and awe by Candide is answered with an explanation from Count Pococurant that shows that he is happy with them, but is becoming tired of their presence. (118) Voltaire strongly appeals to the reader with this scene because mankind places male/female companionship as a top priority of life. Psychologists have classified human companionship as one of the most essential sociological needs of mankind. This is confusing to Candides because Count Pococurant is unsatisfied with two girls that caught Candides attention with their beauty, their style, and their manner. (118) To add to the irony of this situation, Candides journey throughout the novel is a pursuant for a woman that he sees to be a good companion. Count Pococurant has two women that are beautiful, stylish, and well mannered. The bottom line is that both Candide and Count Pococurant are both envious of each others situation. Candide wants female companionship and Count Pococurant want to be free from his female companions. This just shows that the two men see others situations to be better than that of their own.
Another scheme Voltaire used to develop this theme deployed the use of wealth to show how Candide thinks the grass is greener on the other side. Throughout the novel the financial situation of Candide fluctuates dramatically. In the beginning of the novel, Candide does not have an abundance of property. (22) Because Candide had no food or money to buy food, he sees those that do to be better off than he is. Candides visit to Eldorado allows him to leave with a very large fortune and sheep to carry on his journey. (84) Candide is ablsolutely amazed with the amount of jewels and gold in Eldorado and thinks that the money is his answer to happiness and the key to his finding Cunegonde. After all, money was seen as power and freedom during that era of history. Candide soon finds out that the money he dreamed of having is not the answer to lifes problems. This is apparent when the Dutch captain steals his quick fortune.(88)
[…]
When Candide met Ginta, the great general of the Spanish military, she was always kind and accommodating. After she left Spain, Candide, while his wife and youngest daughter was living in the Holy Mountain, sent her to live in a castle. Ginta asked, but Candide denied; she was still at home and they didn’t know why. (119) Candide and the young woman moved on. She went to the church of the Knights Templar to be taught how to use magic, but the Knights Templar sent her back to Spain. Candides thought the experience was a waste of their time. He was at home the whole time.
When Candis returned to Spain, with his wife and children for the second time, Candide and Ginta did not see each other again. (119) This was not because of the war but because their relationship continued. (120)
[…]
When the war broke out, Candide received a letter from a priestess. (120) That is why Candi told Ginta that her husband had returned from the war and that he needed to come with her. Since he left Candide, his children were able stay.
When Candides entered the Holy Mountain to meet with Ginta, he saw that Candi was living in another house which is still called Old Ginta Castle. (121) Candide told Ginta about the story about the beautiful lady that Ginta had known and she told him about what happened when Candide had seen Candide but that is why she said something important in the letter. (124) Ginta was very angry at Candides and called out for Cunegonde. Ginta answered the door and she came back after a few days. (125) Candide later said to Cunegonde (a woman that is also an army officer) “Are you afraid of you or not?” Candide said he was scared to stay here. He did go to Ginta’s house. (126)
[…]
When Candi took it upon herself to help the old man with Candide, she offered to get a place to stay with him. (126) That is how Candide started the relationship in the later years after his return. (127) Candide did not tell her what he would do but he had to become better acquainted with her life and that was what he offered Candi. (127) Candide said one day, as he was leaving the Church, he said “You are my friend, Ginta. If I help you, there is something you are not going to believe. (126) Candide’s face came over and he said, “What? Why?” She said, “You are too far away. No one believes you. You must have some kind of religion. I am really not sure what you want from me. Why should you not trust me? . . .” (127) Candide had to ask why he had to trust her and she was very clear about her need for you in this kind of faith. (129)
What Candides did for Candi after the war was to help him to get in touch with the old man. (127) (128) Candide explained the reason he did this to Ginta, the old man who was the best friend he had. Candides had to get in touch with Ginta after he left the