CANDIDE Study Guide Chapters 1 6 CHAPTER 1

CANDIDE Study Guide Chapters 1 -6

CHAPTER 1 • Voltaire invents a word to describe the subject of Pangloss’s instruction. Identify this word. How does Voltaire use it to satirize Pangloss and other philosophers like him? • The narrator expands upon Pangloss’s major philosophical belief that this world is the best of all possible worlds and that all things have been created for a reason: “…things cannot be otherwise than as they are; for all being created for an end, all is necessarily for the best end. ” List a few of the examples that Pangloss uses to support this principle. What is silly and/or illogical about many of his examples?

CHAPTER 2 • This chapter satirizes the philosophical question of free will. How does Voltaire present the question of free will in the lengthy paragraph near the end of the chapter? Summarize what happens to Candide here, and assess whether he really is able to make a free choice.

CHAPTER 3 • A major principle of philosophical optimism is the idea of determinism. For many Enlightenment philosophers, determinism meant that every action or occurrence was predetermined by God, who was believed to be the creator of the world and the original cause of all later events. How does Candide express this idea in his conversation with the orator? • How does the idea of determinism conflict with Candide’s belief in free will, which he expressed in the previous chapter? • How does Candide feel about Pangloss’s philosophical teachings by the end of this chapter? Explain Candide’s line of reasoning.

CHAPTER 4 • How does Candide react to the news of Cunegonde’s death? What line indicates that he questions his faith in optimism? • What is James’s opinion of Pangloss’s philosophy? How does his view differ from Pangloss’s?

CHAPTER 5 • The man in black disagrees with Pangloss’s view that everything is for the best. What is the man’s argument, and what is Pangloss’s response? How is the concept of free will raised in their dispute?

CHAPTER 6 • The charges against Pangloss reflect one of Voltaire’s criticisms of the Catholic Church. Specifically, what is Voltaire criticizing? • What other criticisms are implicit in the burnings of the heretics?

CHAPTER 7 • How does the old woman differ from most of the religious people Candide has encountered throughout his travels? Give examples to support your answer.

CHAPTER 8 • At one point in the chapter, Cunegonde implies that she has rejected Pangloss’s philosophy. Identify this line. What has caused her to reject it?

CHAPTER 9 • When Cunegonde asks how her gentle Candide is able to kill two men, what is his response? Does this mark a change in him?

CHAPTER 10 • In previous chapters, Voltaire has attacked both religious intolerance and religious hypocrisy. What aspect of religious hypocrisy does he attack in this chapter?

CHAPTER 11 • How does Voltaire once again emphasize theme of religious hypocrisy in this chapter? Supply at least two examples from the text.

CHAPTER 12 • Consider the old woman’s philosophizing about loving life despite the pain and suffering that comes with it. In your opinion, how does Voltaire want or expect her thoughts to be interpreted?

CHAPTER 13 • What phrase does Voltaire use to describe the old woman’s advice that points out the ludicrous nature of her advice?

CHAPTER 14 • How does Voltaire use sarcasm in Cacambo’s description of the Jesuit government in Paraguay?

CHAPTER 15 • At one point during his story, the young Baron talks about Father Didrie, one of the superiors of the Jesuit church. He says, “You know, my dear Candide, I was very pretty; but I grew much prettier, and the reverend Father Didrie…conceived the tenderest friendship for me…” What might Voltaire be implying with this line?

CHAPTER 16 • Compare Candide’s two references to Pangloss and “pure nature. ” How does Candide’s attitude change throughout the chapter? • As Cacambo discusses the Oreillons’ practice of killing and eating their enemies, what is Voltaire satirically suggesting about other cultures, including those of “civilized” nations?

CHAPTER 17 • Some critics say that Voltaire is setting El Dorado up as an “ideal” country. How might critics arrive at this conclusion? Find the quote that provides the answer.

CHAPTER 18 • What in this chapter suggests that Voltaire is not against religion itself but against the excesses found in religions?

CHAPTER 19 • After having subtly doubted Pangloss’s philosophy in earlier chapters, what finally causes Candide to seemingly denounce it forever?

CHAPTER 20 • Although Candide renounced optimism in the previous chapter, he finds himself slipping back into that philosophy in this chapter. What causes him to do so? • Does it appear that Martin represents Voltaire’s own view of the world?

CHAPTER 21 • In this chapter, at what targets does Voltaire take aim? • The final argument is left unresolved, just as those discussed in the previous days have been. Summarize both points of view in the last argument.

CHAPTER 22 • During supper at the Marchioness’s house, Candide and Martin meet a supposed scholar. What question does Candide ask the scholar and what is the man’s response? • In comparing El Dorado to Europe, what is Candide’s conclusion?

CHAPTER 23 • As the two travelers approach the coast of England, Martin explains to Candide the “folly” in which England is currently engaged. Briefly describe the situation, according to Martin. • What horrible event do Candide and Martin witness in Portsmouth? What is the reason for this event?

CHAPTER 24 • Although, like the other religious men in the novel, the Theatin Friar is far from a model of morality, Voltaire shows us another side of Friar Giroflée. Why does Voltaire have pity for the Friar?

CHAPTER 25 • One thing that Voltaire seems to admire is that Pococurante thinks for himself. Voltaire tells us that Candide has never been taught to think for himself. What is a related quality Voltaire seems to admire about the English?

CHAPTER 26 • What fact of life do the six deposed kings represent?

CHAPTER 27 • Martin says there are millions of people on earth who are unhappier than the deposed kings. He seems to suggest that human misery is universal. Do you suppose Voltaire shares this view?

CHAPTER 28 • The motif of resurrection appears once again as Pangloss and the young Baron explain what happened to them. Briefly summarize the Baron’s story. • Briefly summarize Pangloss’s story. How is it similar to the young Baron’s earlier experience that he recounted in Chapter 15? • What is absurd about the topic that Pangloss and the Baron have continually disputed while galley slaves? What does this dispute always result in, and how is this ironic? • While Candide’s faith in optimism is shaken whenever he is in danger, how steadfast is Pangloss’s faith in optimism when things are not good for him? What does his faith or lack of faith reflect?

CHAPTER 29 • What is Candide’s reaction upon seeing Cunegonde in her current state? • In Chapter 15, Candide is very polite and defers to the Baron; nevertheless, when the Baron slaps him, Candide becomes angry and stabs him. What is Candide’s response in this chapter when the Baron refuses to consider Candide’s offer of marriage? What kind of change does this mark in Candide? • Does the Baron’s reaction to Candide’s proposed marriage to Cunegonde make any sense?

CHAPTER 30 • In slamming the door, what point is Voltaire making about philosophy? • What is the secret of life that Candide learns from the old man at his farm? What phrase does Candide use to encapsulate this philosophy? • Some people argue that the phrase “cultivate our garden” means that instead of philosophizing, we should all work to make our own little garden (or our little corner of the world) a better place than it is. What is your opinion on the meaning of the phrase? • Consider the conclusion of Candide. Do you see it as optimistic, pessimistic, or neutral? Give reasons for your opinion.