Although Voltaire and Gronniosaw are similar in their quest for enlightenment and individuality, they are also very different. Candide is a philosophical satirical novel that ingeniously challenges erroneous interpretations of doctrinal optimism. While A Self-Written Account of the Life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw (for the purposes of this essay, described as "A Narrative") is an autobiographical and spiritual account of Gronniosaw's travels. This essay will examine the narrative techniques and distinctive features of the language used in the two extracts. Compare and contrast the context of each text, philosophy, and religion, and ask yourself: "Would a rational, well-regulated world include human suffering and divine providence, and would moral choices change the pattern of our lives?" Voltaire satirizes the philosophy of optimism using juxtaposition and irony through the speeches of his mentor, Pangloss. The perspective of the novel Candide is third-person omniscient, expansive and authoritative, and allows the writer to enter the consciousness of any character, to be aware of their actions and how each character think and feel. This point of view gave Voltaire the ability to change his point of view, with clarity and to effectively use satire, irony, wit and humor to shape the narrative. These techniques were essential in lightening the tone of the story, especially as some scenes revealed tales of extreme depravity and cruelty. It also gives Voltaire the opportunity to express his personal views on certain subjects, such as philosophy and religion, and to denounce the views of prominent Enlightenment theorists of the time, including Pope and Leibniz. Candide is an episodic novel, and is so...... middle of paper ..., and lives in a world where bad people prosper while good people suffer. While Gronniosaw believes that “God is perfect by definition and therefore cannot do evil. » Gronniosaw is truly optimistic and believes that his God will save him if he chooses to be good. “Finally, GOD heard my prayers and raised me as a true friend.” (pp.280-1) To conclude, we note that Voltaire's Candide and Gronniosaw's A Story are individual searches for true happiness and acceptance of life's disappointments, and how they are ultimately achieved through different perspectives, although philosophical and spiritual. We see through stories and history that we must experience life before we can begin to understand and accept the destiny of life, and through choices, whether good or bad, we must accept the fate that this choice brings us and face the consequences..