THE OPTIMAL AND NOT SO GOOD PHILOSOPHIC AND LITERARY RESOURCES IN VOLTAIRE'S CANDIDE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15691/0718-5448Vol7Iss2a206Keywords:
pessimism, optimism, Voltaire, parable, fable, philosophical literatureAbstract
The article analyses Voltaire's philosophical and literary tools. Firstly, the role of Voltaire's literary activity within his intellectual work is analyzed, and his inclination to bind literature with philosophy is highlighted. Secondly, the systematic use offable and parable within the story line development is underlined. Thirdly, the influence of life events on the dispute between optimism and pessimism is examined. Finally, the article illustrates Voltaire's literary proficiency in developing the dispute into issues such as philanthropy, war, love, misfortunes, suicide, evil and melancholy. It is argued that Voltaire sacrificed the general plausibility of the text to keep alive the dispute and to pursue a literary-philosophical attitude of openness, that is, a conception of reflection and continuing controversy.
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