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 shakes up the misinterpretation of doctrinal optimism. While A Narrative of the Life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, written by himself, (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 both pieces. 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 alter 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 that of the omniscient third person, which is broad and authoritative, and allows the writer to enter with his voice into the consciousness of any character, to be aware of his actions and of how each character thinks and feels. This point of view gave Voltaire the ability to change points of view, with clarity and to effectively use satire, irony, wit and humor to shape the narrative. These techniques were key to lightening the tone of the story, particularly as some scenes told tales of extreme depravity and cruelty. It also gave Voltaire the opportunity to express his personal views on certain topics, such as philosophy and religion, and to denounce the opinions of prominent Enlightenment theorists of the period, notably Pope and Leibniz. Candide is an episodic novel, and it's sim... middle of paper... and lives in a world where bad people thrive while good people suffer. While Gronniosaw believes that "God is perfect by definition and therefore cannot do anything wrong." Gronniosaw is truly optimistic and believes that his God will save him if he chooses to be good. “Eventually GOD heard my prayers and truly made me a friend.” ( pp.280-1) To conclude, we note that both Voltaire's Candide and Gronniosaw's A Narrative are individual quests for true happiness and acceptance of life's disappointments, and how these are ultimately achieved through different, albeit philosophical, perspectives and spiritual. Through narratives and story we see that we must experience life before we can begin to understand and accept life's destiny, and through choices, good or bad, we must accept whatever fate that choice brings and face the consequences..