Candide is a satirical piece written by Voltaire, the great French historian and philosopher during the Enlightenment. There are two contrasting female characters in literature. Cunegonde is the daughter of a baron who experiences unbearable miseries. An unnamed old woman is a servant of Cunegonde, born as the daughter of a pope. Candide, Cunegonde's lover, is also a traveling companion. While Cunegonde and the old woman both possess admirable strength, the old woman is pessimistic although realistic, while Cunegonde is optimistic but impractical. Cunegonde continually complains about her misfortunes, but never takes action to overcome them. The old woman, by comparison, never falters or complains, and acts quickly to resolve any problems that arise during the journey. Cunegonda is looking for her jewels and other valuables, which were stolen during the night. He doesn't know what to do, nor does he see how he will survive the misfortune. The old woman, however, more practical and lucid, informs Cunegonda that she suspects a Franciscan priest who once stayed with them in the same inn. Cunegonde takes comfort in knowing that all men have an equal right to some material things on this earth and have the right to enjoy them. Cunegondo resents the fact that the thief didn't leave any money for the three of them. While Candide and Cunegonde reflect on what to do, the old woman is quick to propose selling one of the horses they brought with them for the journey. The old woman adds that she is willing to sacrifice herself by riding behind Cunegonda instead of having her own ride. The old woman considers the adventure with Cunegondo pessimistically, but Cunegondo cherishes the hope that... middle of paper.... ..the bonds were destroyed. After finishing her story, the old woman discovers that she has earned the respect of Cunegonde, who was listening to her attentively. Cunegonde and the old woman have similar and contrasting traits. Both seem to possess admirable strength: despite the tragic accidents that have darkened their lives, they have managed to survive and continue to fight to move forward. The old woman is not only strong, but also realistic and practical, which allows her to make quick and informed decisions. Cunegund is the younger of the two. Perhaps due to his lack of experience, he is more inclined to give up. It may be that varying degrees of experience and age discrepancies accounted for the variance in mental maturity. The old lady's pessimism has hardened her to accept any calamity; while the young woman's youthful optimism left her unprepared for adversity.