Stupidity… Not Quite Let’s Call it Bad Luck

Our protagonist has constantly experienced a series of, let us call them, unfortunate events since the beginning of the story. Candide, has not only seen death, but also brought it to a few others so far. The way Candide decides it is okay to kill is exceedingly absurd if not stupid, as he never reflects on the consequences. When he was threatened by the Great Inquisitor or the rich Jew he did as much thinking on killing them as an average person would on whether to drink water or milk on a hot day. His quick way to draw his sword and kill those who might somehow threaten him is similar to a how a kid solves a problem in a video game. When Candide meets his somewhat of a brother the Jesuit Baron and informs him he is deeply in love with his sister, the Jesuit Baron is very offended by the love insinuation on his sister and draws his sword. Candide who very few minutes ago claimed to care incredibly for the Jesuit Baron simultaneously “drew his own (sword) and plunged it up to the hilt in the Baron’s stomach” (67). How can someone be so stupid and commit murder with such ease, in no moment did he stop and think how to solve the problem through words. No, of course not it had to be with a sword. Moreover, as Candide and his servant, Cacambo flee the area, since soon all the Jesuits will be hunting them they notice two ladies being followed by two monkeys. Inevitably our great hero feels a responsibility to safe the girls and shoots both monkeys down. Candide is then elated as he thinks he amended his past evils by saving these two girls from the monkeys. However, his exuberance does not last much as he realizes the girls now “fondly embrace the two monkeys and shed tears over their bodies” as the environment is filled with “pitiful cries” (69). Candide is then explained he surely killed the girls’ lovers and instead of bringing joy, he did the opposite and brought death and sorrow. I would say tragedy follows the stupid and unprepared individuals of the present. Had Candide analyzed the situation more carefully he might have noticed he had more than one way out. In this case do nothing, and in the other two instead of killing reason with his possible attackers. But oh well poor fellow let us say it was bad luck and he will learn from his mistakes. A question I will ask myself as the story develops. Did Candide learn one must think carefully before acting and committing murder? Candide has to learn that the world does not help those who do not help themselves.