SOURCE: Knapp, Bettina L. “Art and Inquiry in the Philosophical Tale.” In Voltaire Revisited, pp. 144-200. New York: Twayne, 2000.

In this excerpt, Knapp places Candide in the context of Voltaire's literary career, noting that the author never abandons his belief in relativism and moderation.

Candide, or Optimism (1759)

By 1755, Voltaire's years of wandering had concluded with the purchase of Les Délices, a property in Geneva. His dream of owning a garden, of enjoying country living, and of having the leisure to pursue his writings had been finally fulfilled. Or had it? As for finding a beloved to warm his old age, he settled on his niece, Mme Denis, his paramour for many years. As the days wore on, however, he found her to be dumpy, greedy, loud, and foolish—at least for the time being. Had he anyone else in mind? Did he consciously or unconsciously nourish the...