Candide Chapter Summaries

Questions and Answers

What occurs in Chapter 1 of Candide?

Candide is thrown out after kissing Cunégonde.

What happens in Chapter 2?

Candide joins the Bulgarian army.

What does Candide discover in Chapter 3?

The horrors and absurdity of war.

What happens to Pangloss in Chapter 4?

Pangloss is found with the pox. Signup and view all the answers

What event takes place during the crossing in Chapter 5?

Jacques goes overboard and drowns. Signup and view all the answers

What major event occurs in Chapter 6?

Pangloss is hanged and Candide is beaten. Signup and view all the answers

What does the old lady do for Candide in Chapter 7?

She cares for him and takes him to Cunégonde. Signup and view all the answers

In Chapter 8, what does Cunégonde recount?

Her story of invasion and imprisonment. Signup and view all the answers

What does Candide do in Chapter 9?

He kills Don Issachar and stabs the Grand Inquisitor. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event happens in Chapter 10?

They embark with the army for the New World. Signup and view all the answers

What story does the old lady tell in Chapter 11?

She recounts her history as a daughter of a princess and a pope. Signup and view all the answers

What tragedy does the old woman face in Chapter 12?

She is sold into slavery after being approached by a eunuch. Signup and view all the answers

What key event takes place in Chapter 13?

Candide asks Don Fernando to officiate his marriage to Cunégonde. Signup and view all the answers

What proposal does Cacambo make in Chapter 14?

To go to the kingdom of rebellious Jesuits in Paraguay. Signup and view all the answers

What shocking revelation does Cunégonde's brother share in Chapter 15?

He survived a Bulgarian attack and became a minister. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in Chapter 16 involving two women?

Candide shoots monkeys that are chasing two women. Signup and view all the answers

What dilemma do Candide and Cacambo face in Chapter 17?

They find themselves starving and encounter children playing with gold. Signup and view all the answers

What does the old wise man explain in Chapter 18?

That Eldorado's happiness comes from its isolation. Signup and view all the answers

What significant decision does Candide make in Chapter 19?

He renounces optimism after seeing a slave. Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical debates occur throughout Candide's voyage in Chapter 20?

Candide and Martin discuss the existence of good. Signup and view all the answers

What does Candide discover about mankind's morality in Chapter 21?

He questions whether mankind has always been evil. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Candide in Paris in Chapter 22?

He is surrounded by false friends eager to exploit his wealth. Signup and view all the answers

What horrifies Candide upon arriving in Portsmouth in Chapter 23?

He witnesses an execution by firing squad. Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical debate does Candide have regarding happiness in Chapter 24?

He debates whether there is indeed happiness in the midst of suffering. Signup and view all the answers

What does Candide conclude about the wealthy man in Chapter 25?

That he is disgusted or indifferent to everything despite his riches. Signup and view all the answers

What discovery does Candide make about Cacambo in Chapter 26?

Cacambo is revealed to be a slave. Signup and view all the answers

What situation are Candide and Martin faced with at the beginning of Chapter 27?

They find themselves in Constantinople where Cunégonde is now a dishwasher. Signup and view all the answers

What do Pangloss and Cunégonde's brother argue about in Chapter 28?

Whose misfortunes are worse. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Candide arrives at the palace in Chapter 29?

He pays to have Cunégonde and the old woman freed. Signup and view all the answers

What key event occurs in Chapter 30?

Candide marries Cunégonde but doesn't love her. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 1

Introduction of key characters: Baron, Cunégonde, Candide, Pangloss, and Paquette in the Castle of Thunder-ten-tronchk, Westphalia.
Candide and Cunégonde share a kiss and are caught, leading to Candide being expelled from the castle.

Chapter 2

Candide is conscripted into the Bulgarian army following his expulsion.

Chapter 3

Candide witnesses the horrors and absurdities of war, leading him to desert the army.
Travels to Holland, where he meets Jacques the Anabaptist, who offers him care and guidance.

Chapter 4

Candide finds Pangloss suffering from syphilis and learns the Baron’s family has been killed.
Despite the grim news, Pangloss maintains his optimism.

Chapter 5

The journey to Portugal is interrupted by a violent storm; Jacques drowns during the voyage.
Candide, Pangloss, and a sailor arrive in Lisbon, only to face an earthquake and the Inquisition.

Chapter 6

During the auto-da-fé, Pangloss is hanged for his views, while Candide is brutally beaten.
An old woman enters to care for Candide amidst the chaos.

Chapter 7

The old woman takes Candide to reunite him with Cunégonde, who he believed was dead.

Chapter 8

Cunégonde shares her traumatic story of being captured during the Bulgarian invasion and sold into servitude by Don Issachar and the Grand Inquisitor.
Candide recognizes Pangloss at the auto-da-fé.

Chapter 9

Candide kills Don Issachar and the Grand Inquisitor in defense of Cunégonde.
The trio, accompanied by the old woman, escapes to Cadiz.

Chapter 10

Journey to Cadiz is marred by theft of their money by a friar.
Candide impresses a military company and embarks for Paraguay, reflecting on their past adventures.

Chapter 11

The old woman recounts her harrowing tale of being a princess, enduring piracy, and ending up enslaved in Morocco.

Chapter 12

The old woman's story reveals severe hardships, including her mother's death and cannibalism during a siege.
She expresses amazement at humanity's enduring love of life, despite suffering.

Chapter 13

In Buenos Aires, Candide encounters Governor Don Fernando, who shows an interest in Cunégonde.
Candide is pursued by the Alcalde due to allegations of murder and advised by the old woman to flee.

Chapter 14

Candide escapes with Cacambo to Paraguay, encountering an environment where the clergy claim authority over indigenous people.
He finds Cunégonde’s brother, resulting in an emotional reunion.

Chapter 15

Cunégonde's brother recounts his survival from the Bulgarian attack and transformation into a Jesuit priest.
Candide's intention to marry Cunégonde incites outrage from her brother, leading to a deadly confrontation.

Chapter 16

Candide saves two women from monkeys but later finds himself captured by the Oreillons.
Cacambo successfully negotiates their release by convincing the Oreillons they are not Jesuits.

Chapter 17

Attempting to reach Cayenne, Candide and Cacambo starve and experience despair.
They discover a village where precious stones are worthless, prompting Candide to believe he has found a paradise.

Chapter 18

Eldorado is revealed as a blissful land of happiness and isolation, where everyone is wealthy and equals exist.
Candide reflects on Pangloss's teachings as misguided, enjoying splendor in Eldorado.

Chapter 19

The journey to Surinam reveals the dark realities of slavery when Candide encounters a mutilated slave.
Disturbed, he renounces optimism, learns Cunégonde is with Don Fernando, and prepares a new voyage with Martin.

Chapter 20

Candide and Martin engage in philosophical debates throughout their voyage, contrasting optimism with pessimism.
Their discussions become increasingly bleak as they encounter the destruction of the Dutch ship.

Chapter 21

Candide's inquiries into the nature of humanity reveal Martin's cynical view of mankind.
They ponder the essence of free will and its implications on human behavior.

Chapter 22

In Paris, Candide falls prey to false friends and experiences the pitfalls of wealth and deception.
He meets influential figures in the theatre and learns of Cunégonde's whereabouts.

Chapter 23

Witnessing a public execution in Portsmouth, Candide is horrified and opts to avoid the shore, seeking to travel to Venice instead.

Chapter 24

Arriving in Venice, Candide suspects Cacambo absconded with their wealth and grapples with despair.
They meet individuals in a precarious situation, culminating in debates over happiness and unhappiness.

Chapter 25

At Pococuranté's estate, Candide confronts the disillusionment of wealth and cherished possessions.
They argue over whether the ability to critique leads to discontent, questioning the essence of happiness.

Chapter 26

Candide and Martin dine with strangers, revealing Cacambo's identity and Cunégonde’s current situation in Constantinople.
They encounter individuals claiming royal lineage, hinting at human suffering and pretense.

Chapter 27

Cacambo arranges transportation to Constantinople, where Candide discovers Cunégonde's dire circumstances as a dish-washer.
They connect with Pangloss and Cunégonde's brother, both in servitude, showcasing their misfortunes.

Chapter 28

The Baron recounts his experiences leading to enslavement while Pangloss refuses to abandon his optimistic philosophy.
The two argue over whose suffering is more profound, illustrating the futile nature of their perspectives.

Chapter 29

Candide ultimately liberates Cunégonde and the Baron, although the reunion is marred by familial conflict.
The Baron expresses his disdain for Candide's intention to marry Cunégonde.

Chapter 30

Candide marries Cunégonde without true affection, while grappling with ongoing dissatisfaction.
They encounter a farmer focused on hard work, leading Candide and others to conclude that labor is essential for a tolerable life.
Candide ultimately dismisses philosophical discourse, favoring practical engagement with life.

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Description

This quiz focuses on summarizing the chapters of Voltaire's 'Candide'. Each chapter provides a glimpse into the events and characters that shape Candide's journey, reflecting themes of optimism and the absurdity of life. Test your knowledge of these crucial moments in the story!