The Meaning of Violence - Assignment Example

The Meaning of Violence The novel Candide by Voltaire is a protagonist presentation of a young man transferring numerous contradictions alongside optimism. A part from optimism, the story is a satirical literature exhibition of intertwining themes of love, religion, social stratification, warfare, mortality, suffering, wealth amongst many others. The author is involved in a series of philosophical depiction of warfare one would easily describe as ‘cartoonish violence.’ Thus, the book is easily categorized as a violence script based on a number disgracing activities highly evident in it.

Violence is mainly caused by difference in ideologies especially whenever there is a common interest. Human mind is materialistic in nature thus prone to irrationality. In the event that war starts, individuals are subjected to mistreatments, torture, rape, and servitude (Voltaire 9). To some extent, ill-fated individuals in asserting desires on others use war. Across all chapters of the book, Voltaire presents a number of instances that justifies that violence is a reality in the society. For instance, Candide is highly mistreated by the army who are supposed to protect him.

Nonetheless, two of the female characters are sexually assaulted as a result of warfare. Numerous death instances such as the death of Cunegonde together with her family clearly reveal that Candide is a violent book (Voltaire 17). Significantly, theme of violence is used in the novel to show the extent ‘wasteful’ it presents to life. Such presentations help a reader to understand shortcomings of such irrationality. In reality, the author depicts instances such as rape, loss of lives, and loss of material wealth, which is some of the misfortunes, associated with violence.

As the society undergoes pain caused throughout a warfare activity, they get to devise responsible actions that promote peace while condemning violence. Work CitedVoltaire, . Candide. Whitefish, Mont.: Kessinger Publisher, 2004. Print.