The Journey of Equianos and Candide

Since we talked yesterday in class about possible essay questions for the upcoming exam, I thought it might be useful to expand on my specific essay topic: What comparisons can be made between the personal journeys of Candide and Equianos?

First of all, both Equianos and Candide were removed from their comfortable homes in a drastic manner. Candide gets kicked out for going too far with Cunegonde, while Equianos is kidnapped from his home village. They share the same feeling of uncertainty about their future, and the same sense of being lost. Both Equianos and Candide embark on epic adventures all over the world, and although they have different aims, they both search for happiness. Candide's happiness is represented in his reunion with Cunegonde, while Equianos works toward his freedom. Although both men eventually find what they are looking for, it is a long, strange trip for both, and the end never quite turns out the way it is supposed to. Candide finds Cunegonde and retires to a life of farmwork; however, Cunegonde is old and ugly, and his work is physically demanding. Similarly, Equianos buys his freedom and begins a life of public speaking, with his wife in England. But, Equiano's ultimate goal of the abolition of slavery is never accomplished. Although both men find what they are looking for in a sense, the journey that takes them there distorts their perfect ending.