Saturday, September 26, 2009

Introductions:


























In the first chapter of Voltaire's Candide, several figures are presented to us.
First, we make the acquaintence of a young boy named Candide. He is named Candide, because apparently, his character could be read by his face. "He combined sound judgement with unaffected simplicity" (19). We are led to believe that he is the most important in this novel, because he was introduced first. Because this book is a Satire, I wonder how, and who, the author is making fun of.
Secondly, we are made aware of the Baron and the Baroness. Back then, to be fat was a sign of wealth. So, the fat Baroness was obviously a "great imporance, [and] entertained with a dignity which won her still more respect" (19). The poor Baron isn't presented with this kind of introduction, the author just talks about his dogs, and windows, and halls.
The daughter of the Baron and Baroness was named Cunégonde and is apperently quite pretty.
Pangloss, the tutor of Cunégonde's brother, was much admired by Candide.
Candide was brought up in a beautiful country house, however a certain mistake of his gets him kicked out. After kissing Cunégonde, he is thrown out of the splendid country house, and driven away.
This was a short, and quick to the point chapter, filled with a couple characters and a poor boy being thrown out of his child hood home.
What will happen in the next chapter? Will Cunégonde and Candide fall deeply in love, and then Candide will come back to win his fair lady's heart?
Since this is a Satire, I think it will most likely end badly. It probably is making fun of the fairy taile Alladin. Candide is probably Alladin, Pangloss might be the Genie, and Cunégonde would be the princess.

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