Voltaire, Always the Critic: Many of the events of Candide closely parallel (if not outright depict) historical events that took place in Europe either just prior to or during Voltaire’s time. Based on examples from the book, who or what, according to Voltaire, is responsible for the terrible events and issues he associates with modern Europe? In other words, how is Voltaire responding to grave political or social issues and events of his time through Candide? What individuals, institutions, or ideologies does he condemn with his criticism and satire? Why does he put blame on these forces and what audience is he trying to reach, in the process? Consider the context of European politics and culture in the 18th Century in your response.
This is not an opportunity to retell the story apart from giving necessary background for specific pieces of evidence; you should write analysis, not a book report.
4-6 pages
Full paragraphs with topic sentences expected.
Introductory and concluding paragraphs expected.
Use in-sentence quotations (The author argued, “No man should…”). If the passage you wish to cite is longer than three sentences, summarize it in your own words and cite the author afterwards.
Double-spaced
One inch margins
12-point, Times New Roman font
MLA Style Citations with every quote, paraphrase, or example pulled from readings (namely, anything about the story or history that is NOT common knowledge).
Link to MLA Citation Guide here
