Throughout the history of mankind, war has been a constant factor that never fails to show up, even over the slightest differences. Even before any form of civilization came along, wars were being used to settle all types of disputes, including those fought over land or food. As time went by, wars became more and more vicious, and as technology advanced, so did these massacres.
In the early stages of mankind, things such as laws and governments didn’t exist, and society was free to do as it wished, even if that included harming others. Several hundred years ago, men started to develop certain rules and regulations that would control the general public, with the excuse of protecting people’s rights and fighting for the wellbeing of society. Thus came the creation of a certain code of conduct, some limitations as to what was and wasn’t legal during times of war.
“It was no more than a smoking ruin, for the Bulgars had burned it to the ground in accordance with the terms of international law.” (pg. 25).
Voltaire’s use of satire in describing the war is remarkable because although he describes it as something beautiful and attractive, one can tell how strongly opposed to it he was. This is exemplified when Candide has just witnessed the “beauty and brilliance” (pg. 25) of war, and decided to go to the village of Abar, where he wanted to take some time to think about the horrors he had observed. He says that the “bugles, fifes, oboes, drums, and salvoes of artillery produced such a harmony as Hell itself could not rival.” (pg 25). The shrewd demonstrations of violence that can be perceived during times of war are so atrocious that they don’t even compare to what happens in the depths of Hell itself.
How is it logical that things such as war laws exist? I find it hard to decide whether I am glad they do because they spare at least some part of our humanity, or to be completely horrified to think that they are even necessary. Are human beings so vile that they need an entity to tell them that killing innocent civilians is wrong? How can there even be laws in scenarios where torture and murder are the main objectives? Is there really no end to our malice?
Yvette, I really liked the way you interpreted war. You showed me another part of the dark side men have. I hadn't realized the absurdity of having laws during war to prevent further harm from happening. It truly is ridiculous that men have to create laws for war, that do not even make them realize the horrors of what they do.
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