Study Notes/Guide for Candide by Voltaire

Chapter 1
1.

In what part of Europe does the novella begin? Westphalia, a principality of Germany

2.

Of what is the name Baron Thunder-ten-tronckh derisive? The overblown names of many

German petty nobles

3.

What is the significance of the name Candide? His name sums him up. The French word
candide implies not only honesty, but also innocence, naivete, and purity.

4.

What is/are the target(s) of Voltaires depiction of the Baron? He is poking fun not only at a

man with an inflated sense of his own importance, but at a society that could, in fact, consider
such a person to be important.
5.

What three real fields of philosophy are referred to in the hodge-podge word metaphysicotheologico-cosmoloonigology?

What is ironic about the -loonigo- part of the word?

Metaphysics, the study of being or existence; theology, the study of God; cosmology, the study
of the universe.
6.

What major philosopher is the target of Voltaires satire focused on the best of all possible
worlds? Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz

7.

Note the contrast between the philosophical ideals of what the characters say and the reality of
what they do, or of what is happening around them. One of the sources of humor in Candide

and an effective means of highlighting reality and raising questions in the readers mind.
8.

Chapter 1 begins to set the narrative rhythm. While you read, look for other examples of the
pattern being set here: the bottom falling out of what appears to be a wonderful situation.

Chapter 2
1.

As displayed in this chapter, what is Voltaires attitude toward the brutality of army life?

Voltaire presents a biting satire of army life. The practice of conscription, the brutality of army
life, and the loss of personal freedom are presented in an exaggerated but not completely

unrealistic manner.

Men were frequently tricked into serving in the army, and physical

punishment was common. The humor lies in Candides gullibility and in Voltaires use of
exaggeration to make fun of the military.
2.

Specifically the chapter also comments on the Prussian army of Frederick the Great. What was
happening between Frederick and France at the time the novella was written? The Prussian

army was notorious for the harshness of its training.

The idea of Frederick is evoked

humorously by the overblown imaginary German-sounding names. Westphalia, an actual

principality of Germany, was the site of battles between Frederick and the French.
3.

In what way is Candide blinded by his own honesty and simplicity? His own honesty and

simplicity seem to keep him from seeing dishonesty and duplicity in others.
4.

Voltaire introduces a new, important theme in this chapter. How is the theme of free will, of
mans ability to choose his own destiny, developed in this chapter? Candide considers himself a

free man, so he takes a walk. He is court-martialed. He is free to choose whether he wishes to

be shot or beaten. Candide says that he wishes to choose neither, but he is forced to choose
anyway. Where, then, is his free will?

Chapter 3
1.

The setting of the novella changes in this chapter. What part of Europe is now the setting?

Holland
2.

The character the Anabaptist Jacques is introduced? Who were the Anabaptists? Anabaptists

were members of a Nonconformist Protestant sect that believed in baptism for adults, instead of
the more usual Christian practice of infant baptism. They were also social reformers. Like
many other persecuted sects, the Anabaptists took refuge in Holland, a country famous for its
religious tolerance.

3.

Two more of the major themes of Candide are presented in this chapter. How are the
theme of evil, in the form of war, and the theme of religion developed here? In the

first part of Chapter 3 in two paragraphs, Voltaire exposes the cruelty and savagery of
war in a devastating manner. The battle scene begins in an ironic mood. The two
armies are splendid; they march to the accompaniment of music, but such a harmony

was never heard in hell. Linking the word hell with the idea of harmony provides

the kind of contrast that lets you know vividly that war is hell. Harmony is usually
considered a celestial attribute. A similar contrast closes the first paragraph where the
battle is described as heroic butchery. The battle continues with the two kings both
claiming victory. But the tone of the narrative shifts away from satire when Candide
enters the Abare village. The humor disappears and the description is harshly
realistic. Voltaire describes the dead and dying of the village. The sense of war as evil
is overwhelming.
The second part of the chapter takes place in Holland. It contains the first satire of
religious hypocrisy and intolerance in Candide. These negative qualities are embodied
by the hypocritical orator and his wife.

Their behavior is contrasted with the

Anabaptist Jacques. The orator and his wife, religious enthusiasts, preach charity, but
Jacques practices it.
4.

The first part of Chapter 3 contains one of the most famous scenes in Candide. In two
paragraphs, Voltaire exposes the cruelty and savagery of war in a devastating manner.
Although Voltaire never uses the word evil, how does he make you feel its presence?

See the first part of the answer to #3 of this chapter.

Chapter 4
1.

What news does Dr. Pangloss reveal of Cunegonde? Pangloss tells Candide that she

died after being raped by Bulgar soldiers.

2.

According to Pangloss, why is he in such a pitiful condition? In truth, what is the

cause of his condition? Pangloss attributes his problem to love. He has, in fact,

contracted the pox from Paquette, the baronesss maid.

3.

To what city in Europe do Candide, Jacques, and Pangloss now travel? Lisbon,

Portugal
4.

What does Voltaire expose by parodying philosophical reasoning, beginning with an

invalid premise and ending with an absurd conclusion? The emptiness of Pangloss

and, by extension, of his philosophy.

5.

Note that Pangloss always deals in abstractions and ideals. One source of the humor
in the chapter is the clash between the real and the ideal. How is this clash evident
with the description of love -- what is the ideal and what is the real? Pangloss says

that his problem is love, which he then describes in idealistic, poetic terms. But the
result of love so far is one kiss and 20 kicks for Candide and a case of the pox for
Pangloss.

Chapter 5
1.

Jacques is drowned at sea, and on shore, Candide, Pangloss, and a sailor are heading
for Lisbon when an earthquake, a tidal wave, and fires devastate the city. What
actually occurred in Lisbon in 1755? A devastating earthquake killed more than

30,000 people, many of them in church to celebrate the feast of All Saints Day.
2.

In this chapter, how is the reality of evil portrayed differently than what it was in
Chapter 3? In Chapter 3, evil was man-made war and the slaughter of innocent

citizens. Here, evil appears as a force of nature. No one has caused the natural
disaster, but the result is remarkably similar to that of military conflict.
3.

How is the sense of the senselessness of fate demonstrated in this chapter? In the

storm at sea, it is the good man who dies and the evil man who survives to loot the
ruins. People of every age and either sex are crushed to death, but the first survivor
whom Pangloss, Candide, and the sailor meet is a prostitute.
4.

Natural disasters had frequently been justified as punishment for immoral behavior,
what is ironic in the first survivor that Pangloss, Candide, and the sailor encounter?

The first survivor they encounter is a prostitute.

5.

To what theme is the presence of an officer of the Inquisition at dinner and his
dialogue with Pangloss applicable?

Consider the concepts of intolerance and

fanaticism in relation to this theme. The theme of religion. Since the Inquisition was

charged with enforcing orthodoxy (strict adherence to accepted Roman Catholic

Church doctrine) and wiping out heresy (deviations from accepted doctrine), the
issue of intolerance is raised. And because the Inquisition had become notorious,

especially in Spain and Portugal, for sentencing and execution of heretics, the issue of
fanaticism is implied. By the 18th century, these practices were infrequent. But the
mere mention of the Inquisition conjured up an image of fanaticism and intolerance.
6.

Notice the interesting contrast between the actions of Pangloss and Candide in similar
situations. In Chapter 3, when Pangloss says he is starving, Candide immediately
feeds him, even though he is anxious for news of Cunegonde. Here, when the wounded
Candide begs for oil and wine, Pangloss, whose name is Greek for all-tongue, keeps
talking until Candide faints. What does this tell you about Pangloss and his true
concerns? Pangloss is aware of himself only; he is very selfish. He does not listen to

others; he likes to hear himself talk.

Chapter 6
1.

To prevent more earthquakes, the authorities decide to hold an auto-da-fe. What is an

auto-da-fe? An auto-da-fe (from the Portuguese, act of faith) was a public ceremony,
during the first part of which accused heretics were sentenced by the Inquisition. The
second part of the auto-da-fe was the execution by fire, carried out not by the
Inquisitors but by the civil authorities. The clothing worn by Candide and Pangloss
are the symbolically painted cape (sanbenito) and pointed hat (miter) of the heretic.
By the 18th century auto-da-fes were rare, but not unheard of.
2.

Voltaire chooses to have his characters condemned by the Inquisition in order to

dramatize his chief quarrel with religion. What is that view of religion? In Voltaires

view, religion perpetuates superstition, which, in turn, creates fanaticism and

intolerance.
3.

For what reasons does Candide question his optimistic beliefs in this chapter? He is

baffled by the deaths of three of the people he cares about most: his good friend,
Jacques; his tutor, Pangloss; and his beloved, Cunegonde. He repeatedly asks Was it
necessary? because he can find no reasons for their deaths. He wonders what other
worlds must be like if this one is the best possible.

Chapter 7
1.

How does this chapter parody the romantic adventure story? The scene is straight out

of a romantic adventure: The mysterious old woman, the unnamed ointment, the
remote house in the country, and the veiled lady are stock romantic creations.
2.

What does Cunegondes straightforward answer to Candides question about her fate at
the hands of the Bulgars reveal about her character, especially in contrast with
Candide and Pangloss? This occurs in Chapter 8 where she matter-of-factly relates all

that has happened to her the rape by the Bulgar soldier, her salvation by the
Bulgar captain, etc. She says, A lady of honor may be raped once, but it strengthens
her virtue. She also claims of Don Issachar and the Grand Inquisitor, For my part,
Ive resisted them both so far... She ends her story with, You must be ravenously
hungry; I have a good appetite too, so lets begin by eating supper.

Chapter 8
1.

What insight into the character of Cunegonde does this chapter provide?

Her

narrative is a mixture of melodrama and down-to-earth practicality. She describes her

dramatic struggle to resist the Bulgar soldier but doesnt think of her conduct as
particularly unusual. She admits that her saviour, the captain, killed her attacker
not out of concern for her, but because the soldier had failed to salute. Although she
confesses horror at the auto-da-fe, she is also glad that she had a good seat and
refreshments. But despite the fact that her practicality and adaptability allow her to
find her way in most situations, she is not portrayed as cynical or unfeeling. She is
genuinely overjoyed at seeing Candide. But she is essentially practical, and, though
overjoyed, she does not forget that she is also hungry and wants her dinner.

Chapter 9
1.

What were the Holy Brotherhood? A type of religious police

2.

What elements of this chapter continue the parody of the romantic adventure story?

Voltaires parody of the adventure story continues in Chapter 9 with the most
dramatic episode in Candides career. Chapter 9 is full of action and swordplay.
These incidents are the classic elements of an adventure story. But Voltaires version
is humorous and satirical. The humor comes from the authors choice of words and the
frequent contrasts between the actions of romantic adventure and the language of
mundane reality.
3.

What is significant about the contrast between the treatment of the Inquisitor and the
Jew? The Inquisitor is buried in Church, while the Jew, at least as much a victim as

the Inquisitor, is thrown on a pile of rubbish.

Chapter 10
1.

What European city is now the setting for the novella? Cadiz

2.

How did many Europeans of Voltaires day view the New World, as expressed by
Candide in this chapter? Many Europeans of Voltaires day held the hope that the

New World would be better than the Old.

3.

This chapter further develops the theme of religion. How are the three religious
orders, the Franciscans, the Benedictines, and the Jesuits, presented? All three are

presented as hypocritical.

The Franciscan is suspected of being a thief.

The

Benedictine buys the horse cheap, implying that he drove a hard bargain. The
Jesuits are accused of a more serious crime, inciting to rebellion. None of them
practices what they preach.
4.

The object of religious satire changes from fanaticism and intolerance to what in this
chapter? To the corruption and worldliness (too great an attachment to things of the

world to possessions, power, or pleasure and not enough to spiritual matters) of

religious orders.

At the heart of the corruption is hypocrisy; these religious

characters obviously do not practice what they preach.

5.

The second major theme treated in this chapter is, again, philosophical optimism.
What is the difference in attitude between Cunegonde and Candide as they set sail?

Candide still hopes to find the best of all possible worlds, but he is beginning to
admit that, so far, all is not right in the world he knows. Cunegonde is more realistic,
but because she feels so little hope, she is almost despondent.
6.

Note that before Chapter 10 ends, Cunegonde announces a new theme -- the theme of
human misery and self-pity. If youve ever been really depressed and felt the whole

world is against you, then maybe you can understand how Cunegonde feels. She
thinks that she must be the most miserable woman in the world after all her troubles.

Chapter 11
1.

The old womans commentary serves various purposes. How does it:
a.

highlight the worldly-wise, unflappable character of the old woman?

b.

illustrate the universality of evil and emphasize the authors sarcasm?

c.

bring you down to earth.

Her narrative is highly charged with melodramatic extremes, from the ecstatic
description of her own beauty to the horrors of the carnage on the beach. In contrast
to the drama of her story as a young woman is her matter-of-fact commentary as the
old woman narrator. The old womans attitude implies that there is really nothing so
extraordinary in her experiences. Being seized by pirates and rapes is, she now
realizes, something that happens all the time in this world. Likewise, the strip search,
which seemed so strange to her at the time, she now knows is simply a custom of the
seas. Even if these events are common matters, they are not any the less evil. As
terrible as the events may be, they are not unique. But not being unique makes them
all the more terrible. Religious satire is expanded beyond Christianity to include
Islam. All across Morocco, people are slaughtering each other by the thousands, but
no one forgets to say his prayers to Allah. Both Moroccan pirates and the Christian
Knights of Malta treat their captives with equal barbarity. No religion, Voltaire
seems to say, can restrain mans wickedness.
2.

Parodies of literary forms and styles are frequent in Candide. In this chapter, how

does Voltaire make fun of Renaissance Italian love poetry?

The old womans

description of herself as a princess is a cliche of Renaissance Italian love poetry. The

exaggerations and colorful dramatic touches in her narrative also imitate that style.

Chapter 12
1.

What counterbalances the old womans consistent ill fortune? Her equally consistent

ability to survive. Everyone except her dies on the shores of Morocco. During the
plague, the eunuch, the lord, and most of the harem die, but she survives.
2.

What challenge to Cunegonde does the old woman issue at the end of the chapter? To

see whether she can find anyone who does not pity his lot in life.

Chapter 13
1.

What continent and what city is now the setting for the novella? South America,

Buenos Aires
2.

What does the governors lengthy name satirize? The Spanish custom of using both

parents last names in ones own surname. The governor is a caricature of an arrogant
Spanish nobleman. Voltaire is emphasizing the extreme pride and self-importance of
the governor.
3.

The old woman continues to play an important role in this chapter. She guides the
action of both Cunegonde and Candide. Is her advice to Cunegonde purely cynical or
does she have Cunegondes best interest at heart? There is a degree of cynicism in the

old womans guidance. Her evaluations, although correct, are generally negative,
which is why she sees the general misery around her. She coolly counsels Cunegonde
to abandon Candide. Maybe as a survivor, she sees the best way out of a bad
situation. If she were a true cynic, wouldnt she perhaps choose to leave Cunegonde
and try her luck elsewhere?

Chapter 14

1.

What country is the next stop on Candides journey? Paraguay

2.

What surprise character reappears in this chapter? the young baron of Thunder-ten-

tronckh, who had been reported dead

3.

In what ways is Cacambo similar to the old woman? Both are realistic and worldly-

wise. Both are able to find a way out of a sticky situation.

4.

What are Cacambos chief characteristics which will frequently come in handy on his
travels with Candide? His adaptability and resourcefulness. He is a jack-of-all-trades.

He has been a monk, a sailor, a merchant, and many other things besides.
5.

In Chapter 13, Candide was beginning to show signs of independent judgment. What
evidence does Chapter 14 provide of the beginnings of his disenchantment with
Panglosss views? When the commander asks him where he hails from, Candide

replies, From the nasty province of Westphalis. This is quite a contrast with his
idealized view of his homeland in earlier chapters.
6.

Voltaire continues jabbing away at religion. What is his chief target in this chapter?

The Jesuits are portrayed as exploiters of the Paraguayan people. The wealth of the
Jesuits and the poverty of the Indians are symbolically depicted in the contrast
between the Jesuit commander, with his ornate, leafy retreat, where he and Candide
dine sumptuously, and the Indians, who are depicted eating corn on the naked ground.
Cacambo says that the Jesuits have everything and the people have nothing.
7.

Contrast the behavior of the Jesuits in Europe with their behavior in America. In

Europe, they bless the very kings against whom they make war in America.

Chapter 15
1.

How is the satire of the Jesuits continued in this chapter? The barons description of

his life with the Jesuits continues the satire of Chapter 14. Throughout his narrative,
the dual nature of the Jesuits role is stressed. As both missionaries and soldiers of
Christ, they are in Paraguay both as priests and conquerors. Their power has led
them into competition for control with Spain. The baron arrived as a subdeacon (a
low position) and a lieutenant. He is now a full priest and a colonel. The Spanish

troops will be defeated on the battlefield and excommunicated in the bargain.

Voltaire is pointing out the apparent contradiction between war and religion.

Chapter 16
1.

Explain the concept of the noble savage as held by Europeans of the 17th and 18th
centuries.

Primitive society, especially in the New World, had frequently been

idealized by Europeans in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was seen as purer, simpler,
and free of the moral corruption and hypocrisy of the modern world.
2.

In the Biglugs/Oreillons too-ready acceptance of Cacambos elaborate reasoning, what

may Voltaire be suggesting about the innate difference between primitive and modern
societies? Voltaires primitive society is cannibalistic and bestial. However, the

Biglugs make a quick conversion to western-style reasoning when Cacambo convinces

them to reject cannibalism by appealing to the sophisticated rules and customs of
international law.
3.

How does the episode of the Biglugs/Oreillons continue the satirical portrait of the
Jesuits? Being dressed as a Jesuit was a major cause of Candides problem. The

killing of the two monkeys was forgotten once the Biglugs learned that Candide had
killed a Jesuit.
4.

Candides attitudes and spirits fluctuate in this chapter. How is the fluctuation
typified by his reaction to the state of nature? When he is about to be eaten, he

questions Panglosss teaching about man in the state of nature. But after Cacambo
gets him off the hook, he comes to believe that uncorrupted nature is good. Candide
speaks in ideal terms, but his reactions are govenned by events, not by ideals.

Chapter 17
1.

Voltaire repeatedly emphasizes that the worldly-wise Cacambo is astounded by what

he sees in Eldorado? Why? Because as too much of a cynic, always expecting evil, he

is incapable of accepting a world where evil seems absent.

2.

Is Voltaire saying, through the realistic voice of Cacambo, that Eldorado is an

impossible ideal for human beings? Is it out of step with human nature?

Chapter 18
1.

What are the chief characteristics of Eldorado? It is a beautiful country, both

naturally beautiful and made even more so by man. It is a land of great wealth; its
citizens have all they need and, by European standards, much more. Because its
people value their pebbles and mud only as materials and not as sources of power, it
is a contented, peaceful land. It is a religious country, whose only religious ritual is
thanking God. It is a land that prizes science and in which the useful and the
beautiful are united.
2.

What elements of society are missing in Eldorado? It has no law courts, no prisons, no

priests. It is a society that needs no mediators, either between God and man or
between individual men.
3.

The Eldoradans are contented people who have vowed never to leave their homeland.
What had happened in their history that led them to take that vow? Their history

has taught them that those who left Eldorado (the Incas) in order to conquer others
were themselves destroyed.
4.

The meaning of Candide and Cacambos decision to leave Eldorado can be seen as a
rejection
by Voltaire of the very idea of utopia, or a perfect state. Is Voltaire saying that
utopias are worthwhile to think about, but impossible to achieve? Is he saying that
maybe utopias are even undesirable? They decide to leave Eldorado because they

believe they can live better outside. Candide says that the two can live like kings in
Europe, while in Eldorado they are no different from anyone else. Their departure can
be considered a realistic assessment of human nature. The desire to be better is more
natural to men than the desire to be equal, even if the equality exists in pleasant
circumstances. Isnt it human to want to be better than your neighbor? Isnt it also
human to have faults and conflicts?

5.

The old man relates a story about his ancestors. His message complements the kings
view. What is the message of the old man and the king? The old mans message

complements the kings view that people ought to stay where they are relatively
comfortable and happy. The implication of both the kings and the old mans message
is to find happiness where you are. The inhabitants of Eldorado are not aware of the
uniqueness of their situation. They do not know that they are the richest people in
the world. Their wisdom lies in recognizing that they are happy and comfortable.
They do not need to measure their happiness against someone elses misery.

Chapter 19
1.

What city of South America is now the setting for the novella? Surinam, on the

northern coast
2.

What encounter horrifies and convinces Candide to abandon Panglosss optimism?

Candide and Cacambo meet a black man, who is missing both a hand and a leg. The
black man is a slave in a sugar mill. His hand had been cut off when he caught his
finger in the mill. His leg was cut off because he tried to run away. Candide is
horrified by the slaves story and concludes that in the face of such evidence Panglosss
optimism must be abandoned.
3.

Identify the three reversals of Candides good fortune in Eldorado which he suffers in
this chapter. He loses his sheep; he finds out that Cunegonde is the governors

mistress; he is swindled by both Vanderdendur and the Dutch magistrate.

4.

In Chapter 19, two new characters enter the story: Martin the scholar and the Dutch
merchant Vanderdendur. Contrast Vanderdendur with the other Dutch merchant of
the novella, the Anabaptist Jacques. Vanderdendur, the slave holder and swindler of

Candide, is a complete scoundrel.

He is the exact opposite of another Dutch

merchant, the honest Anabaptist Jacques.

5.

The scholar Martin is the third of Candides companion advisers. What is ironic about
Candides choice of Martin as his companion? Candide choose Martin to accompany

him in a contest hes holding to find the most miserable man in Surinam. Ironically,
Candide chooses Martin not because he is the most miserable nearly all are equally
miserable but because he promises to be the most amusing.
6.

Martin is persecuted for being thought a Socinian. What was a Socinian? A follower

of the beliefs of a small Unitarian Protestant sect that denied the divinity of Christ,
the Trinity, and other basic tenets of orthodox Christianity. Although the Socinians
had found refuge in Poland in the 16th century, they were eventually disbanded and
destroyed as a practicing sect. Socinian writings, however, continued to have influence
among the non-orthodox, and were well thought of by the French philosophers because
of their relatively rational approach to religion. Martin, like the Anabaptist Jacques
and the victims of the Inquisition in Lisbon, is yet another example of the intolerance
and religious hatred that Voltaire fought against.

Chapter 20
1.

Martin claims to be a Manichean who believes that the world, with the exception of
Eldorado, is dominated by evil.

Explain Manicheanism.

Manicheanism, which

flourished from the 3rd to the 7th century, was originally a Persian philosophy, but
spread West to become one of the earliest and most important heresies of the early
Christian Church. Its founder Mani preached that the world was a battleground for
the two equally strong but opposing forces of good and evil. Thus, life was a constant
struggle between the two, in which the ideal state was one of balance, not the triumph
of one over the other. This view runs counter to traditional, Christian belief in a
universe created and directed by goodness, where evil is only an aberration, and where
the goal is the triumph of goodness, not a standoff. For Martin, the forces of evil seem
to have gotten the upper hand.
2.

While at sea, Candide experiences a resurging belief in optimism. What factors have
caused his revived optimism? While Martin and Candide are arguin in effect whether

this is the best or worst of all possible worlds, they witness a sea battle between two
ships, one of them belonging to the Dutch pirate Vanderdendur. When his ship sinks,

a red sheep floats over to the ship on which Candide and Martin are sailing. Candide
takes this as an omen that he may see Cunegonde again.

His hope of seeing

Cunegonde, the omen of the sheep, even a good meal, contribute to his reviving
optimism.

Voltaire shows that Candides attitude is becoming influenced by

circumstances rather than philosophy, and also by the strength of his hope of finding
his love Cunegonde.
3.

Martins pessimistic view of human behavior is outlined in this chapter. Although he

is, in a sense, an anti-Pangloss, Voltaire does not make Martins views appear as
ridiculous as those of Pangloss. Is this evidence that Voltaire prefers reasonable
pessimism or, at least, skepticism to excessive optimism? Martins observations often

seem just. He points out the fallacy in Candides thinking when Candide applauds
Vanderdendurs punishment. Martin reminds Candide that many other people who
had nothing to do with the captains dishonesty died with Vanderdendur. Martin is a
realist, and unlike Pangloss, he does not seem to distort reality to fit his philosophy.

Chapter 21
1.

What part of France is now the setting for the novella? Bordeaux

2.

Compare Martin to Candides previous companion, Cacambo. Like Cacambo, Martin

is not shocked by human behavior. He finds it quite plausible, as did Cacambo, that
girls should take monkeys as lovers.
3.

Why did Voltaire replace Cacambo with Martin?

4.

Note that Voltaires satire of Parisian and French ways is introduced in this chapter.

Chapter 22
1.

What French city is now the setting for the novella? Paris

2.

Candides stay in France, though brief, is treated in detail by Voltaire. Most of the
chapter is devoted to a satire of the over-sophisticated society of Paris as witnessed by
the simple foreigner, Candide. What are the chief characteristics of Parisian society as

portrayed by Voltaire? The chief characteristics of Parisian society as portrayed by

Voltaire are its greed and its love of controversy for its own sake. Nearly everyone
Candide meets in Paris is trying to take advantage of him. Candides wealth brings
out friends wherever he goes. The abbe from Perigord is the prototype of this venal
aspect of Parisian society. He attaches himself to Candide in the guise of a friend,
eager to guide him to the pleasures of Paris. But his motives are, in reality, purely
financial. He gets a cut from Candides losses at cards and from the sale of the
diamonds that Candide gave to the marquise. He hopes to swindle Candide out of
much more in the encounter with the false Cunegonde.

Chapter 23
1.

Chapter 23 is a detour in a literal and figurative sense. How and why? England is

hardly on the way to Venice, but Voltaire has his characters go out of their way to be
able to treat a matter of great concern to him.
2.

How does the execution of a British admiral, a similar execution actually took place in
1757, allow Voltaire to comment on the futility of war? Martin compares the relative

craziness of the French and English; he cites the futility of the war between the two
countries over Canada, a few acres of snow, as an indication of mutual insanity. The
absurdity of the rules of war can be seen in Candides observation that, though the
French admiral was equally as far from the British admiral as the British was from
him, the French admiral was not executed.
3.

Over what are the French and the English fighting? Canada

4.

Candide is horrified at the admirals execution and refuses to set foot on shore; he
heads directly for Venice. At the end of this chapter, Candides optimism is renewed.
On what is that optimism based? Candide pays the ships captain to take him

directly to Venice, where he will be reunited with his beloved Cunegonde. His faith in
Cacambo and his hope of seeing Cunegonde renew his optimism. It is an optimism
based precariously on hope.

Chapter 24
1.

In what way are Brother Giroflee and Paquette both victims. Brother Giroflee is yet

another corrupted clergyman, but with a slight twist. This amoral monk is seen as a
victim of the system that forced him into the monastery, not as a bad man.
Paquette, too, is seen more as a victim than as a bad person.
2.

Identify the similarities between Paquettes story and that of the old woman. Like the

old woman, Paquette goes from one man to another. Also like the old woman, she
envisions an unhappy end for herself when her beauty fades. Paquette continues
Voltaires portrait of women as objects used and discarded by men.
3.

Candides hopeful mood at the end of Chapter 23 is waning. How does Martin
contribute to Candides fading optimism? He is Candides constant companion, but he

does little to relieve his friends unhappiness. In fact, he only increases it. Martin
seems to be trying to teach Candide that all is misery, and that people, without
exception, are unhappy; events only seem to reinforce the correctness of Martins view.
4.

Is Martins view of the world accurate? Or is Voltaire just emphasizing how strong
Candides belief in optimism still is? Candide and Martin are still testing the old

womans hypothesis that all people are unhappy. Martin calmly defends it again and
again. But Candide hopes to disprove it. He wants to find a happy man. Candides
optimism is difficult to destroy. He reads the meeting with Paquette as another omen
that he may yet find Cunegonde.
5.

What two predictions does Martin make in this chapter? 1) Cacambo will not return

because he has run off with Candides money. 2) Candides money will make Paquette
and Brother Giroflee only more unhappy.

Chapter 25
1.

Chapter 25 is, in a sense, a digression.

Here, Voltaire, through his characters

discussion of literature and the arts, allows himself to voice some of his own opinions
about literature. What are those opinions? What does he say of Lodovico Ariosto,

Cicero, Homer, Horace, John Milton, Raphael, Seneca, Torquato Tasso, Virgil?
2.

Lord Pococurante, a Venetian nobleman, is a man of taste and independent judgment.

Why does Martin admire him and why is Candide shocked by him? Martin admires

Pococurante for his taste and independent judgment. Candide, on the other hand, is
shocked by Pococurantes independence. Up until this point, he himself has always
had a teacher and a guide in forming his opinions.
3.

What is the significance of the name Pococurante? Pococurante means caring little.

This sums up the nobleman. He has everything, but his life is empty. He enjoys
nothing; he is bored. Martin, cynic and pessimist that he is, sees that Pococurantes
lack of involvement in life is no answer to the misery of life.

Chapter 26
1.

Candide and Martin now encounter Cacambo, now slave of a Turkish sultan. What
news does Cacambo have of Cunegonde?

Cunegonde is not in Venice but in

Constantinople (Istanbul).
2.

The main focus of this chapter is the encounter with the six dethroned kings, all of
whom are real historical figures. Each of them tells his story of realms lost. What is
the image created by their narratives? As the kings tell their stories of realms lost,

often by violence, the idea of fate, or providence is raised. A man can be king one day
and in prison the next. These six kings create an image of an unstable world. Their
stories illustrate the same rise and fall of fortunes that are evident in Candides own
story. All, in the words of the Polish king, have had to submit to providence.

Chapter 27
1.

What further news of Cunegonde does Cacambo relate to Candide? Cacambo tells

how, after ransoming Cunegonde, he was robbed of the remainder of the money
Candide had given him by a pirate who then sold him and Cunegonde into slavery.

Cunegonde is now washing dishes for an impoverished, exiled king. To top it all off,
she has grown horribly ugly.
2.

Candide, Martin, and Cacambo set sail for the shores of Propontis. What two familiar
faces do they encounter among the slaves on the galley? Pangloss and the young

baron
3.

At this point in Candide, the momentum begins to build toward the conclusion. The
major characters of the novel reassemble. What important themes of the novel are
referred to? The capriciousness of fate in Cacambos story, Candides continued

attachment to optimism, the universality of human misery as voiced by Martin.

Chapter 28
1.

Identify the difference between Pangloss and Candide in how each one views optimism.

Candide reacts to circumstances, so his optimism wavers. He asks questions and has
doubts when things go bad. When he defends optimism, he is reacting to what he has
seen or experienced.

He tries in some way to tie his belief to reality, to his

observations. Panglosss faith, on the other hand, is blind. Reality does not shake it.

Chapter 29
1.

Compare Cunegonde as she now is presented with the old woman. The old womans

description of herself in Chapter 11 is reflected in the way Cunegonde looks in Chapter

29. Their fates have been similar; Cunegonde, ravaged by time and harsh experience,
is now a servant.
2.

How does Candides reaction to the barons arrogance demonstrate the change he has
undergone? Candides new proposal of marriage recalls the first time he asked the

barons permission to marry Cunegonde in South America.

Then, he reacted

physically to the barons arrogance. He struck him with his sword. Here, Candide
reacts verbally by losing his temper. In Chapter 15, Candide was respectful, even
deferential, to the baron. After he stabbed him, he was filled with remorse. Now, he

has only scorn for the baron, whom he considers an ungrateful idiot. The respectful
Candide has given way here to the independent Candide, who speaks his own mind.

Chapter 30
1.

At the beginning of Chapter 30, all the loose ends of the story are tied together, but
the group is still unhappy. What new element of torment has entered their lives?

Boredom. The old woman implies that this suffering may be the worst of all.
2.

What two important encounters take place in the course of Chapter 30 which influence
Candides decision to farm? The encounter with the Turkish philosopher (dervish) and

the encounter with the old man.

3.

The dervish, a devout member of a Muslim religious order, advises, Hold your
tongue. He refuses to answer directly Candides questions about evil, thus appearing
to deny mans ability to find the answers to certain age-old questions. Is Voltaire,
through the dervish, denying the validity of all philosophy, of any attempt to
systematize reality? The dervish wants no part of Panglosss systems and abstractions.

Is Voltaires answer to the question of evil in the world simply that its not worth
asking?
4.

What cultivating ones garden implies is the great question in Candide. Is the garden
a retreat from the world, a symbolic turning of ones back on corruption and evil?

Such retreat appears to be a mark of pessimism the world is evil and there is
nothing you can do about it.

Does it signify that by concentrating contentedly on

ones own domain, one can hope to improve at least a corner of the world? Is it a
rejection of philosophys effectiveness and a call to action, to do? Mans role on earth

is to do, not to worry about why he is here or why evil exists.

5.

What is meliorism and how does that relate to the message of Candide?

The

commitment to action. It stated that people, through reason, can devise a means of
improving both society and the individuals condition in society. This belief in

progress, and in the positive power of human reason, was common to the 18th century,
often called the era of the Enlightenment. All may not always be for the best, but
people can work to make things better. By doing your part to improve conditions,
instead of merely preaching, you may even influence others. Some would say that by
selling the fruits of their garden to the city, Candide and his friends are symbolically
spreading their ideas to the outside world.
6.

What changes have taken place in Candide by the end of the novella? Through his

experiences, Candide has realized the impossibility of philosophical optimism. But he

also rejects both the pessimism and cynicism that he has observed do not bring
contentment.

Candide arrives at this own solution, based on observation and

experience. He has developed the ability to judge for himself. In Chapter 30, he may
still rely on the old woman for advice in practical matters, but he makes his final
decision about life alone, after personal reflection. That his decision is a wise one is
suggested when the others agree to go along with him. Everyone realizes that it is
time to stop talking and start doing.

THEMES OF CANDIDE

optimism

Voltaires satire of philosophical optimism is one of the major issues of

Candide. Throughout the story, satirical references to the best of all possible worlds
contrast with natural catastrophes and human wrongdoings.

What does this

destruction of optimism imply? Does it imply the triumph of pessimism? Is the

conclusion of Candide a pessimistic withdrawal from a corrupt world? Or is its
affirmation of work a modest, but nonetheless hopeful, commitment to life and
change? This idea was labeled meliorism by others, and its chief tenet was the belief
that people can actively work to create a better world. This connects with cultivating
our garden as presented in Chapter 30.

the problem of evil Evil, in its many forms, is something that Candide must

constantly confront. It can take the form of a natural disaster, such as the Lisbon
earthquake. More often, it is man-made: the cruelty of slavery and the Spanish
Inquisition, the savagery of war, even greed and dishonesty. Candide is always
questioning how and why such evils exist. A partial answer can be found in the words
of the Turkish philosopher, the dervish, in the last chapter. Some answers to the
problem of evil can be found in the ideal world of Eldorado.

the role of fate or Providence

In Candide, Voltaire attacks not only the blanket

optimism of Dr. Pangloss, but the religious notion of providence, the idea that there is
a divine will guiding earthly events. The fact that good and bad alike suffer and die
seems to be evidence that God is not in charge.

Moreover, there seems little

indication that any intelligible rational design can be found in lifes progression from
disaster to disaster. Things seem to happen at random as Candide, Cunegonde, and
the other characters are often pictured as victims of fate or circumstances. In denying
providence as a beneficent guiding principle, Voltaire appears to be saying that either
no rational pattern exists in the world, or, if it does, it is not readily evident to human
beings. Some see Candides final decision to concentrate on doing useful work as
Voltaires rejection of attempts to answer the question of why things happen in favor
of simply acting to improve the world.

free will

The idea of free will is closely tied to the theme of fate. Candide raises

the question of an individuals control over his own destiny. A long-standing debate
among philosophers is whether man is predestined to a certain fate, and, if he is, what
happens to free will and moral choice? Does it matter whether a man chooses to do
good or evil if he is destined to act in a certain way, in any case? The characters in
Candide seem to be pawns of fate; yet, at the end of the tale, Candide chooses what he
will do with his life. He hopes to find contentment, and, in a certain measure, he does.

an attack on religion The hypocrisy of religion, especially that of the Roman Catholic

Church, is a recurrent theme in Candide. But other religions Protestantism,

Judaism, Islam also receive the sting of Voltaires wit. Underlying the satire of

religious practices is Voltaires outrage at all forms of fanaticism and intolerance. He

relentlessly exposes the cruelties perpetrated in Gods name. Some readers have seen
Voltaires view of religion as too one-sided, emphasizing only the negative aspects of
religion without acknowledging its benefits. Others see Voltaire as exposing the abuses
of religion without denying the validity of religion per se.

the importance of work

The theme of work and its beneficent effects is announced

by the good old man of Chapter 30, who urges work as the antidote to boredom, vice,
and poverty. Work is essential to attain the contentment that the travelers find on
their farm.

Although this theme is brought up late, it is important for an

understanding of the conclusion of Candide.

STYLE OF CANDIDE

use of exaggeration, irony, and contrast to convey the humor of a situation or the
emptiness of an argument

mix of simple, declarative sentences with longer, complex sentences, marked by

multiple clauses

matched with the character; e.g., Panglosss sentences are complicated, piling clause

upon clause as he spins his justifications. The old womans tale is full of adjectives,
colorful exaggerations, and dramatic touches when she describes her splendid past life
in Italy.

essential to the quality of style: clarity, adaptability to different narrative moods,

consistent forward movement (lively pace)

POINT OF VIEW OF CANDIDE

third person omniscient narrator, revealing the characters thoughts and emotions

Much more is revealed about Candides thoughts and emotions than is revealed about
the other characters. It is his story; he is the central character.

FORM AND STRUCTURE OF CANDIDE

3 parts: 1) Ch. 1-10 - setting is Europe; 2) Ch. 11-20 - voyage to and travels across
South America; 3) Ch. 21-30 - set in the Old World

irresistible forward motion: unexplained encounters, mysterious reunions, cliff-hanging

devices

CHARACTERS IN CANDIDE

Describe each of the following characters and

explain his/her significance in the novella.

Candide

from the French for pure, innocent, naive. This story is an adventure

and a romance. Some readers have seen it as the story of a young mans education, of his
journey from naivete to maturity. He begins as a gullible, simple soul, with a naive faith in
his teacher Pangloss. This faith allows him to believe that all is for the best in the world. As
Candides eyes are opened, he loses his belief in optimism. For a time, he has nothing to
replace his former optimism, but in the final chapter he finds a new belief in work as a
means to contentment. Candides character evolves in various ways. He becomes more
realistic and less idealistic. Always a questioner, he comes in time to modify his reactions to
the answers hes given, in accordance with his newly gained experiences. At the beginning of
the tale, for example, he accepts the optimists justification for the evils he encounters. But
as his journey continues, he questions how anything seen universally as evil can be for the
best. Candide is a more independent man at the end of the story than he is at the beginning.
Not everything about Candide changes. Despite his excessive optimism as the story opens,
he is portrayed as also have positive characteristics: an honest mind and great simplicity of
heart. He is loyal to his friends and to Cunegonde. He remains a kind man, generous, and
honest in his dealings with others. Some of his negative characteristics do not leave him
completely, either. Although he is less naive as he settles in Constantinople, he is still
gullible enough to be swindled out of the last of his money in the final chapter.
Pangloss

the character that changes the least. He is the optimist philosopher who

remains the optimist philosopher, even after he is hanged, sent to the galley as a prisoner, and
caused to lose an eye and an ear. He is a foil for Candide. Although Pangloss is physically
absent for much of the story, he is always present in spirit. Pangloss may stand for more
than just philosophical optimism he may stand for philosophy itself, for any attempt to
reduce the world to a single system of belief. True to his name which in Greek means all

tongue, Panglosss main role is to state and restate his belief in optimism, despite all the
evidence to the contrary. He is a deliberately ludicrous figure, since Voltaire is trying to
expose the absurdity of the beliefs he stands for.
Cunegonde

Like Pangloss, Cunegonde is often physically absent in Candide. Also

like Pangloss, Cunegonde is nearly always present in spirit. Candides journey is a journey to
find Cunegonde and make her his bride. She is the beloved, the lovely Cunegonde whom he
struggles so long to find. As his optimist philosophy crashes about him, Cunegonde is his ray
of hope. The final irony for Candide is that when he does find Cunegonde she is no longer the
lovely young girl he remembered. She has grown ugly, and, after their marriage, she turns
into a shrew. She is a practical, adaptable woman who manages to make her way in may
difficult situations. Although she is a sensualist who takes what pleasure she can find whether
its food or love, she is much more of a realist than Candide. Her lack of devotion to ideas or
ideals allows her to enjoy life despite its disasters. It also allows her to love Candide but at
the same time make do with others. She is shown in a positive way to be a strong, practical
individual who copes well in terrible situations. Yet, in the portraits of Cunegonde and the
others, you may see pitiful women at the mercy of men, passed from hand to hand until their
beauty fades and they become washerwomen. On the one hand, Cunegonde seems a natural
survivor; on the other hand, she is merely a victim.
Old Woman -

The old woman is present for only part of the tale. The old woman

serves as both a servant and an adviser to Cunegonde. Not only does she reunite Cunegonde
with Candide, she also advises Cunegonde on her conduct. The old woman also acts as a
counselor to Candide, above all in practical matters. She has good common sense. She is
worldly-wise, and her advice is sound in helping both Cunegonde and Candide out of some
sticky situations. Like Cunegonde, she has a great love for life and is able to land on her feet.
The old woman can be seen as a representation of common sense and practicality. She can
also be regarded as a cynical voice, worldly-wise in a more negative sense.
Cacambo

Another major character, whose function seems to overlap that of the old

woman and Martin, is the faithful Cacambo, Candides servant. He is also adviser. Without
him Candide would have been lost, either eaten by the Biglugs or executed by the Jesuits. It

is Cacambos resourcefulness that gets Candide out of both situations. He is also worldlywise, never shocked by the strange situations that astonish the naive Candide. It is possible
to see a trace of cynicism in his reactions to events e.g., when he talks the Biglugs out of
eating him and Candide. His other outstanding trait is his loyalty. He appears always to act
in Candides best interest. In addition to being Candides servant and adviser, he is also his
friend.
Martin -

the scholar Martin. A kind of counterweight to Pangloss. Martin is the

spokesman for philosophical pessimism that believes all is for the worst, or a cynicism that
questions the good motives of others. Martin sees evil running rampant in the world. Martin
is more complex than most of the other characters in Candide. He fills the role of friend and
adviser; he is also a commentator and evaluator, a confirmed cynic, and a loyal friend.
Young Baron -

Cunegondes brother, representative of an overbearing, conceited,

privileged aristocracy. He has few personal traits to commend him. He is ungrateful to

Candide and would deny his sister her happiness because of Candides lack of noble birth.
The young baron personifies the society that is not receptive to men of talent and honor.
Paquette

Paquette begins as a servant and becomes a prostitute. Paquette is a

flirt, but she is also a sympathetic character. In Chapter 24 she is portrayed more as a victim
than as a bad woman. Her life is redeemed when she finds her niche on the farm and has
productive work to do.
Brother Giroflee

Paquettes lover and companion. Appears at first as a negative

character, a hypocritical monk. Later he is portrayed as a victim of a system that forced

young men into religious orders at an early age. Themain representative of the type of
hypocritical, immoral clergy that appears elsewhere in Candide. He is redeemed when he
becomes an honest man through work.
Jacques

The representative of the good man. His benevolence demonstrated

when he helps Candide and Pangloss, clothes the naked, and feeds the hungry is in direct
contrast to the hypocritical preacher of charity in Holland. He practices the Christian virtues
that the preacher only talks about.

Pococurante -

From the Italian caring little. A one-sided man of exquisite taste and

refinement who derives no pleasure from his possessions. Caring little about anything, he
despises everything. He possesses all the best but his life is full of boredom and distaste for
everything. He voices many of Voltaires opinions in art and literature, but this professional
critic is a negative character.
The Abbe of Perigord

Another of the many immoral characters with a religious

affiliation, the abbe is Candides guide to the pleasures of Paris. He is a swindler, a

hypocrite, a flatterer the archetype of the parasite, the man who lives off others.
Vanderdendur

The thieving merchant, pirate and swindler, he forms a neat

contrast to the honest merchant, Jacques.