Comparing Gilgamesh And Candid - 1225 Words

â€Å"A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.† (Harry S. Truman) The stories of Gilgamesh and Candid have underlying themes of optimism. This is because both, Gilgamesh and Candid faced horrible tragedies in their lives. Through their tragedies though, they both chose to push through these challenges and make the best out of their situations. They went through horrible trials and when one would think that they should give up they still try to find the best out if a bad situation. This shows true optimism because they did not dwell on the bad days. Instead, they made the best of their situation â€Å"Two-thirds divine and one-third human, surpassing all kings,†¦show more content†¦He then sent out to find Untapishtim which is where he thought eternal life would be. The first place his journey takes him is the twin peaked mountains called Musha. After rushing through the tunnel to beat the sun he emerges into a beautiful garden by the sea that’s where he meets Siduri. Siduri warns him that immortality is futile and he should be satisfied with his life and what he has. He doesn’t listen to Siduri and insists on moving forward being optimistic about finding eternal life. When Gilgamesh arrives to Untapishtim, he demands that he should be granted with eternal life. Utnapishtim gives him a test, â€Å"Prevail against sleep, and perhaps you will prevail against death.† (Mitchell, 191) Gilgamesh accepts this challenge, but fails immediately. Untapishtim orders him to return to Uruk, but he tells Gilgamesh of a spiny plant that grows in the water of the Great Deep. A miraculous plant that would restore youth. Gilgamesh goes and retrieves the plant. He plans to share it with the elders of Uruk, but before he could reach the city a snake steals the plant away. Gilgamesh did not return emptyhanded. He instead came back with the acceptance of mortality and a name for himself. Candide is a good-hearted, but very naà ¯ve young man from Westphalia. From the very beginning Candide had his eyes on a beautiful woman named Cunegonde who is the Baron’s daughter. Candide was chased from Westphalia after being caught stealing an innocent kiss from