Does the Punishment Fit the Crime?

            This is an interesting question when it pertains to the life of Candide, because it is difficult to dub any of his actions as crimes.  When he steals a kiss from Cunegonda he is banished from the “best of a all worlds” in the castle.  In my opinion it does not seem fair that he had to experience a life of misery just for kissing the baron’s daughter.  After all, it was Cunegonda who initiated the romance.  Throughout the novel, it is evident that his punishments come as a result of his ignorance.  He had no idea that he would appear like a deserter in the military for taking a walk and he was certainly not aware of the fundamental ideals of the officers of the Inquisition.  For simply “listening with an air of approval” to Pangloss’ statement that everything is for the best, he is flogged several times.

            It may be more difficult to defend his actions in chapter nine, but I believe that if I were in his position I would have done the same.  The woman he loved had been conscribed to a life as a sex slave for the Grand Inquisitor and Don Issachar.  The Jewish merchant would have killed Candide if he had not stabbed him and the Grand Inquisitor would likely have had him burned alive.  Thus he was acting to protect himself and to save Cunegonda so I do not believe these were crimes at all.  The killing of the Reverend Father on the other hand may not have been justified, because he appeared like a more decent fellow than Don Issachar and the Grand Inquisitor.  It is true that noble lineage may have meant too much to the colonel especially as a Jesuit priest, but as Cunegonda’s brother, he would have protected her and made sure that she never ended up as a sex slave again.  I think that Candide killed the Reverend Father out of his own pride, because he did feel worthy to marry Cunegonda.  It was less about protecting his physical self so therefore I do think his punishment fit the crime in this case.

            In the case with the monkeys Candide obviously thought he was saving the women, but the monkeys turned out to be their lovers.  It is evident that Candide meant to do good, but because he is ignorant to the ways of this society he learns that he is mistaken.  Although this was a mistake, it seems that the tragedy could have been avoided if he had thought before he acted.  He has developed an instinct to kill when ever he feels that he or others are in danger, without really evaluating the situation.  This may not have been a crime, but I do think he is at fault for causing uproar among the natives.  In addition I think this rash style of thinking will continue to backfire against him throughout the rest of the book.