REMEMBER: these questions are meant as a kind of guide to help you ease into the book and find ideas you might otherwise miss or ignore. Ideally, by answering two of the questions, you will be forced to consider not only what you read but why Voltaire wrote it. Don’t worry about being right or wrong; the important thing is simply to attempt an answer based on the ideas in the book. Even a “wrong” answer can help our class discussion on Friday. Respond in a short paragraph--at least a few sentences for each question you answer.
Answer TWO of the following--due in class on Friday or no
later than
Q1: Describe Dr. Pangloss’s philosophy as it appears
throughout these chapters, notably in the beginning of the book and during the
earthquake in
Q2: The name “Candide” means “candid, honest, or open,” suggesting that Candide is an innocent soul who believes the best of people. How does Voltaire test Candide’s faith throughout these opening chapters? Do you feel he agrees with Candide that mankind is essentially good, despite a few “bad apples,” or does he think Candide is an idiot for holding such beliefs?
Q3: How does Voltaire criticize the Church in the passages
about the
Q4: At the end of the Old Woman’s Tale, she explains, “A hundred times I was upon the point of killing myself; but still I loved life. This ridiculous foible is perhaps one of our most fatal characteristics." What, after all her trials and misfortunes, do you think she “loves” about life? What can she still see that most people in her situation could not? Also, do you think Voltaire agrees with this statement—or is he satirizing the Old Woman’s stupidity?
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