Chapter sixteen continues with the adventurous journey of Candide and his servant after leaving Cunégonde and the old lady behind. After crossing the frontier they come upon to ladies being chased by monkeys. To my amazement after Candide kills the monkeys the ladies mourn over their deaths. Why could they possibly be whipping over the decease of two creatures that were chasing them? Do monkeys have significance or symbolism to their culture? To my astonishment Cacambo replied, “Why should you find it so strange that in some parts of the world monkeys obtain ladies favours? They are partly human, just as I am partly Spanish?” (Chap. 16 Pg. 70) After reading this remark I found the comparison ridiculous, the fact that Cacambo was partly Spanish was a matter completely different from that of a monkey being partly human. Even though the human race has been believed to evolve from monkeys I consider them to be animals and regard it as immoral and senseless for a woman to relate in such an intimate way with an animal. Perhaps Voltaire intended to mock and demean the human race by comparing it to an undeveloped and salvage creature.
Next I came up with a sentence which I believe reflects the occurrences of the entire novel. “In fact, the laws of nature teach us to kill our fellow creatures, and that is what happens in every corner of earth.” (Chap. 16 Pg. 71) I consider it mirrors the incidents of the novel given that it states that the misfortunes and violence taking place on earth are due to the fact that we were brought to the planet and our natural reactions are usually selfish and it’s within our nature to battle against others. Along the novel we constantly find vicious encounters among the characters, for instance we can take into account the old ladies past, Cunégondes abuse by soldiers, the Anabaptists death and the constant wars between Bulgars and Abars.
When reaching Oreillons territory Cacambo and Candide become prisoners soon to be eaten, but after the truth is revealed they are treated with politeness. “They offered them girls, gave them refreshments, and led them back to the borders…” (Chap. 16 Pg. 72) This declaration reminded me of my past blog were I mentioned how women were treated abusively. This statement reaffirms my believe, since it reveals that women were viewed as objects, inclusively they were used in offerings for courtesy.
Cacambo and Candide continue through their voyage in search of a way to reunite with Cunégonde. In their journey they come across a placed called Eldorado were they come to stay for a couple of weeks. Among this civilization they come to see a different face to the world. Individuals in this place tend to avoid materialism, prisons, and court cases among others, “It is probably the country where all goes well; for there must obviously be some such place.” (Chap. 17 Pg. 77) Candides overview of this civilization is a sign of his optimism. Even though he has gone through many misfortunes and has had to confront unbearable aspects of life he still believes there is a place in the world where all goes well. In this hidden society supposedly everyone remains happy, “With the agreement of the whole nation, they made a law that no inhabitant should ever leave our little kingdom; and that is how our innocence and happiness have been preserved.” (Chap. 18 Pg. 78) This quote reminded me of Candides past. Before being expelled from Thunder-ten-tronckhs castle, Candide had not experienced what the real world was actually about. He lived with ignorance and unawareness of the true facts going on, and assumed life was exactly as he was taught by Pangloss. Fortunately or unfortunately when being barred from the mansion and experiencing life’s disgraces he understood the worlds truth, but before hand he lived happily among the nobility of Westphalia.
Coming close to the end of this section I noticed that in Eldorado there was a constant appearance of humming birds. For instance the old man’s seat was made from humming bird feathers, they were dressed with humming bird garments to meet the king and in the banquet with him they were served twenty humming birds on a platter. I found it unusual due to the fact that humming birds are really small, rare and fast animals. Is it a coincidence that this animal is constantly mentioned or does it symbolize something?
Along theses chapters I also found a representation of what I believe can come to be the theme of the novel. It stated, “I realise that my country is not much to boast of, but a man should be satisfied with what works moderately.” (Chap. 18 Pg. 83) I interpret this phrase as conforming to what one has, not being too optimistic and expecting too much nor being too pessimistic and anticipating for the worst. A balance must be found were you can settle and conform to what you have. The key to happiness as the book states is complying to yourself, you belongings and your surroundings.
Next I came up with a sentence which I believe reflects the occurrences of the entire novel. “In fact, the laws of nature teach us to kill our fellow creatures, and that is what happens in every corner of earth.” (Chap. 16 Pg. 71) I consider it mirrors the incidents of the novel given that it states that the misfortunes and violence taking place on earth are due to the fact that we were brought to the planet and our natural reactions are usually selfish and it’s within our nature to battle against others. Along the novel we constantly find vicious encounters among the characters, for instance we can take into account the old ladies past, Cunégondes abuse by soldiers, the Anabaptists death and the constant wars between Bulgars and Abars.
When reaching Oreillons territory Cacambo and Candide become prisoners soon to be eaten, but after the truth is revealed they are treated with politeness. “They offered them girls, gave them refreshments, and led them back to the borders…” (Chap. 16 Pg. 72) This declaration reminded me of my past blog were I mentioned how women were treated abusively. This statement reaffirms my believe, since it reveals that women were viewed as objects, inclusively they were used in offerings for courtesy.
Cacambo and Candide continue through their voyage in search of a way to reunite with Cunégonde. In their journey they come across a placed called Eldorado were they come to stay for a couple of weeks. Among this civilization they come to see a different face to the world. Individuals in this place tend to avoid materialism, prisons, and court cases among others, “It is probably the country where all goes well; for there must obviously be some such place.” (Chap. 17 Pg. 77) Candides overview of this civilization is a sign of his optimism. Even though he has gone through many misfortunes and has had to confront unbearable aspects of life he still believes there is a place in the world where all goes well. In this hidden society supposedly everyone remains happy, “With the agreement of the whole nation, they made a law that no inhabitant should ever leave our little kingdom; and that is how our innocence and happiness have been preserved.” (Chap. 18 Pg. 78) This quote reminded me of Candides past. Before being expelled from Thunder-ten-tronckhs castle, Candide had not experienced what the real world was actually about. He lived with ignorance and unawareness of the true facts going on, and assumed life was exactly as he was taught by Pangloss. Fortunately or unfortunately when being barred from the mansion and experiencing life’s disgraces he understood the worlds truth, but before hand he lived happily among the nobility of Westphalia.
Coming close to the end of this section I noticed that in Eldorado there was a constant appearance of humming birds. For instance the old man’s seat was made from humming bird feathers, they were dressed with humming bird garments to meet the king and in the banquet with him they were served twenty humming birds on a platter. I found it unusual due to the fact that humming birds are really small, rare and fast animals. Is it a coincidence that this animal is constantly mentioned or does it symbolize something?
Along theses chapters I also found a representation of what I believe can come to be the theme of the novel. It stated, “I realise that my country is not much to boast of, but a man should be satisfied with what works moderately.” (Chap. 18 Pg. 83) I interpret this phrase as conforming to what one has, not being too optimistic and expecting too much nor being too pessimistic and anticipating for the worst. A balance must be found were you can settle and conform to what you have. The key to happiness as the book states is complying to yourself, you belongings and your surroundings.
1 comment:
No, Voltaire is mocking the rumors that Europeans believed about the Americas (cannibalism, etc.). He's saying that they're probably not true.
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