The story of Candid is best described as a roller coaster of events. Throughout the story there were ups and downs, such as storms, earthquakes, forced to join the burglar, reuniting with Cunegonde, free sheep and riches in Eldorado, and finding out Pangloss is still alive. The passage that most interested me was the ending, when Candide finally reunites with Cunegonde, after the long journey he has been through. I found this scene interesting because it was very ironic. Throughout Candid’s journey, he was telling everyone he met how beautiful his lover, Cunegonde was, and he is willing to pay any price to reunite with her. When Candid reunites with Cunegonde, the first thing he realizes is her appearance. He calls her ugly, admitting he’s losing interest in her, and says he doesn’t want to marry her anymore.

This scene is also ironic because it shows the consequences of enlightenment. In the kingdom of Thunder-Ten-Tronckh, Pangloss is considered “the oracle of the household.” (Voltaire, 355) Growing up, Candid listened to Pangloss’ lessons and believed that everything happens for a reason, and it will end up leading to the greater good. Throughout Candid’s journey, he faced a series of unfortunate events, and each time he overcame them, he would tell himself, if Master Pangloss was here, he would say this will lead to a good result. When Candid met Martin, who was also considered a wise philosopher, Martin told Candid the complete opposite. Martin believed that the world is evil, and there will be no happy ending. Candid, who is blinded by Pangloss’ philosophy, ignores what Martin says, which results in an ending full of disappointment. Candid ends up marrying the no longer pretty Cunegonde, and everyone works hard for the rest of their lives on their farm.