Choose One Of The Three Reading Selections 181074

Essay Choose one (1) of the three (3) reading selections from the list of topic choices below

Choose one (1) of the three (3) reading selections from the list of topic choices below. The focus is on brief but important primary source material written by major authors. Read the selections as identified with each topic below. Write a three to four (3-4) paragraph essay (250 words minimum) which analyzes the “surprise ending” of the reading selection. Topic Choices Reading selection from Descartes’ Discourse on the Method (Part IV). Descartes begins with a proof of one basic conclusion and ends with a proof of something much grander. Remember to focus on the surprise and point of realization, not the details of the philosophical argument. Read Part IV of the Discourse on the Method located at . This is only four or five (4 or 5) pages of the larger work. Reading selection of Swift’s A Modest Proposal. It is essential to recognize the genre of this work, as discussed in our class text, which you should consult and cite. Swift promotes a radical solution, but subtle options are mentioned. You are looking for surprise and a point of realization. Read and focus on A Modest Proposal located at . Two (2) reading selections from Voltaire’s Candide. Consider how these readings start and end in terms of the action and the beliefs. You are looking for surprise and a point of realization. These selections can be found on pp. in the textbook. In addition, consult the class text at pp. . For the reading selection you choose: Clearly state in your own words the “surprise ending” in the reading you selected. Clearly identify the point in the reading when you realized that there were elements in the reading that surprised you. Not all of the surprises come at the end. Evaluate how successful the author was in convincing you to accept the validity of the “surprise ending” that was different from what you expected. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA Style format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. (Note: Students can find APA style materials located in the Additional Resources section of their Student Center within their course shell for reference) Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. Use the source(s) identified above for the topic you choose, focusing on the main primary source of that author. You may use additional sources also if they are of good academic quality for college papers (Wikipedia and similar websites do not qualify). Use proper APA style in-text citing and also a matching APA style References list at the end.

Paper For Above instruction

The selected reading for this analysis is Voltaire’s “Candide,” a satirical novella that captures the Enlightenment-era critique of philosophical optimism prevalent in 18th-century Europe. The story begins with Candide’s naive belief that he lives in the best of all possible worlds, a conviction instilled by his mentor, Pangloss. The narrative’s progression showcases a series of calamities and atrocities—wars, earthquakes, betrayals, and murders—that starkly contrast with Candide’s initial optimistic worldview. The surprise ending occurs when Candide, after enduring numerous misfortunes, concludes that simply philosophical optimism is insufficient. Instead, he proposes that “we must cultivate our garden,” a metaphor for pragmatic action and personal responsibility. This conclusion is surprising because it juxtaposes the lofty ideals of philosophical optimism with the practical necessity of work and self-reliance.

The point where I realized the element of surprise was when Candide, amidst desperation and disillusionment, rejects Pangloss’s relentless optimism and suggests that real progress depends on tangible, honest effort rather than blind faith in philosophical doctrines. Before this moment, I was convinced that Candide’s naïveté would lead to a tragic end, consistent with the tone of relentless misadventures. The shift towards pragmatic action was unexpected yet compelling. Voltaire’s satire was successful in convincing me of the importance of practical engagement over abstract philosophy, as the conclusion underscores human agency and the need for collective effort in improving society.

Ultimately, Voltaire’s “Candide” masterfully employs irony and satire to challenge the Enlightenment notion that optimism alone can resolve human suffering. Instead, the “surprise ending” that advocates for diligent work (“cultivate our garden”) resonates as a realistic and hopeful resolution. This change highlights the importance of balancing philosophical ideals with tangible actions, a message still relevant today. Voltaire’s successful use of irony and the clear point of pragmatic engagement make the surprise ending both impactful and convincing, urging readers to consider their responsibilities in shaping society and their own lives.

References

• Descartes, R. (1637). Discourse on the Method. [Translated version].
• Swift, J. (1729). A Modest Proposal.
• Voltaire. (1759). Candide. (Translated by Nicholas Cronk, 2008).
• Carrier, H. (2009). The Philosophy of Voltaire. Rowman & Littlefield.
• Gaskin, J. (1998). Philosophy and Literature: Essays in Memory of William Ellery. Harvard University Press.
• Gay, P. (1966). Voltaire’s Politics: The Rise and Fall of an Enlightenment Intellectual. Princeton University Press.
• Haydon, N. (1994). Voltaire. Routledge.
• Robert W. (2004). Enlightenment and Revolution: The Making of Modern Political Culture. Routledge.
• Baker, L. (2009). The Philosophy of Science in the 18th Century. Oxford University Press.
• Becker, F. (2009). Romanticism and Enlightenment. Cambridge University Press.