Candide · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Candide by Voltaire.
Chapter 1
Candide
Candide, a young man of gentle disposition, lives in the castle of the Baron of Thunder-ten-tronckh in Westphalia. He is taught by the philosopher Pangloss that all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds. Candide is expelled from the castle after being caught kissing Cunégonde, the Baron's daughter. He is then forced into the Bulgarian army, witnesses a brutal battle, escapes, and travels to Holland where he meets a beggar who turns out to be Pangloss, now disfigured by syphilis. Pangloss recounts the destruction of the castle and the deaths of the Baron, his family, and Cunégonde. Candide is taken in by the charitable Anabaptist James. They travel to Lisbon, where a devastating earthquake occurs. Candide and Pangloss are seized by the Inquisition for their optimistic philosophy, and Pangloss is hanged. Candide is beaten and later finds Cunégonde alive, who tells him her story of survival. Candide kills her captors, the Jew Don Issachar and the Grand Inquisitor, and flees with Cunégonde and the Old Woman to Buenos Aires. There, they are pursued, and Candide leaves Cunégonde behind, fleeing to Paraguay with his servant Cacambo. In Paraguay, Candide kills Cunégonde's brother, the Jesuit Baron, and escapes with Cacambo to the land of El Dorado, a utopia of immense wealth. They leave El Dorado with great riches, but Candide is robbed by the Dutch skipper Vanderdendur. In Surinam, Candide meets the pessimistic scholar Martin and they sail to France. In Paris, Candide is swindled and falls ill. They travel to Venice, where they witness the supper of six deposed kings. Candide finds Paquette and Friar Giroflée, both miserable. They sail to Constantinople, where Candide finds Pangloss and the Baron alive, working as galley slaves. He ransoms them, and they reunite with Cunégonde, who has become ugly. Candide marries her despite his reluctance, and the group settles on a small farm. After much philosophical debate, Candide concludes that the only way to find contentment is to 'cultivate one's garden,' rejecting Pangloss's optimism and Martin's pessimism for practical work.
Chapter 2
How Candide Was Brought Up in a Magnificent Castle, and How He Was Expelled Thence
Candide, a gentle and simple-minded youth, lives in the castle of the Baron of Thunder-ten-Tronckh in Westphalia. He is taught by the philosopher Pangloss, who insists that all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds. Candide falls in love with the Baron's daughter, Cunégonde, and after a stolen kiss, the Baron discovers them and expels Candide from the castle.
Chapter 3
II: What Became of Candide Among the Bulgarians
Candide, expelled from the castle, wanders starving and cold until he is recruited by two men in blue who trick him into joining the Bulgarian army. He is trained harshly, beaten for his ineptitude, and later attempts to desert, for which he is sentenced to run the gauntlet. After enduring two rounds of severe whipping, he is about to be shot when the King of the Bulgarians pardons him, and he is healed by a surgeon.
Chapter 4
How Candide Made His Escape from the Bulgarians, and What Afterwards Became of Him
Candide hides during a brutal battle between the Bulgarian and Abarian armies, witnessing horrific carnage. He escapes through devastated villages, eventually reaching Holland where he is rejected by a charitable orator and his wife but is taken in by a kind Anabaptist named James. While walking, he encounters a diseased beggar who turns out to be Pangloss.
Chapter 5
IV: How Candide Found His Old Master Pangloss, and What Happened to Them
Candide encounters a disfigured beggar who turns out to be his former tutor Pangloss. Pangloss reveals that the castle of Thunder-ten-tronckh has been destroyed, the Baron and his family killed, and Cunégonde dead. He attributes his own miserable condition to syphilis, which he traces through a comical genealogy back to Columbus. Candide, moved by compassion, brings Pangloss to the Anabaptist James, who pays for his cure. Pangloss loses an eye and an ear but recovers and becomes James's bookkeeper. James then takes Candide and Pangloss on a ship to Lisbon, where they are caught in a terrible storm.
Chapter 6
V: Tempest, Shipwreck, Earthquake, and What Became of Doctor Pangloss, Candide, and James the Anabaptist
Candide, Pangloss, and James the Anabaptist survive a violent storm and shipwreck, but James drowns after saving a brutish sailor. They reach Lisbon just as a devastating earthquake strikes, killing thousands. Amid the chaos, the sailor loots and carouses, while Pangloss insists the disaster is for the best, arguing with a Familiar of the Inquisition about original sin and free will. Candide is wounded and faints, but Pangloss continues his philosophical justifications.
Chapter 7
How the Portuguese Made a Beautiful Auto-Da-Fé, to Prevent Any Further Earthquakes; and How Candide Was Publicly Whipped
After the Lisbon earthquake, the Portuguese authorities decide to hold an auto-da-fé to prevent further quakes. Pangloss is hanged, Candide is whipped, and two others are burned. Candide despairs at the cruelty of the world, but an old woman approaches him and offers comfort.
Chapter 8
VII: How the Old Woman Took Care of Candide, and How He Found the Object He Loved
The old woman tends to Candide's wounds, providing him with shelter, food, and medical care. After several days, she leads him to a secluded house where he is reunited with Cunégonde, who survived the attack on her family and recounts her own harrowing experiences.
Chapter 9
VIII: The History of Cunégonde
Cunégonde recounts her harrowing story: the Bulgarian attack on the castle, her rape and enslavement, being sold to the Jew Don Issachar, and becoming the shared mistress of the Grand Inquisitor. She describes witnessing Pangloss's hanging and Candide's flogging at the auto-da-fé, her despair at the apparent refutation of Pangloss's optimism, and her joy at being reunited with Candide. Their reunion is interrupted by Don Issachar's arrival.
Chapter 10
IX: What Became of Cunégonde, Candide, the Grand Inquisitor, and the Jew
Candide kills Don Issachar and the Grand Inquisitor in quick succession to protect Cunégonde, then flees with her and the old woman on horseback toward Cadiz.
Chapter 11
X: In What Distress Candide, Cunégonde, and the Old Woman Arrived at Cadiz; and of Their Embarkation
Candide, Cunégonde, and the Old Woman arrive in Cadiz after being robbed by a Grey Friar. Candide impresses a general with his military skills and is made a captain. They embark for Paraguay to fight the Jesuit Fathers. During the voyage, they discuss Pangloss's philosophy, with Candide optimistic about the New World, Cunégonde traumatized, and the Old Woman hinting at her own tragic past.
Chapter 12
XI: History of the Old Woman
The Old Woman recounts her tragic life story, revealing she is the daughter of Pope Urban X and the Princess of Palestrina. She describes her privileged youth, her fiancé's sudden death, her capture by Sallee corsairs, the brutal civil war in Morocco where her mother and companions are killed, and her eventual rescue by a eunuch.
Chapter 13
XII: The Adventures of the Old Woman Continued
The Old Woman continues her harrowing tale, revealing her identity as the daughter of Pope Urban X. She recounts being sold into slavery, surviving the plague, enduring cannibalism during a siege, and suffering numerous other misfortunes across multiple countries. She concludes by advising Cunégonde to find diversion and listen to the stories of others, asserting that few have not cursed their lives.
Chapter 14
XIII: How Candide Was Forced Away from His Fair Cunégonde and the Old Woman
Candide, Cunégonde, and the Old Woman arrive in Buenos Aires and meet the proud Governor Don Fernando, who immediately desires Cunégonde. Candide naively reveals his intention to marry her, prompting the Governor to send him away. The Old Woman advises Cunégonde to accept the Governor's proposal for her own advantage. Meanwhile, a ship arrives carrying an Alcalde pursuing Candide for the murder of the Grand Inquisitor. The Old Woman warns Candide to flee, forcing him to leave Cunégonde behind.
Chapter 15
XIV: How Candide and Cacambo Were Received by the Jesuits of Paraguay
Candide and Cacambo flee Buenos Aires and travel to the Jesuit kingdom in Paraguay. They are disarmed and brought before the Commandant, who turns out to be the Baron of Thunder-ten-tronckh, Cunégonde's brother, believed dead. A joyful reunion ensues, and Candide reveals that Cunégonde is alive and nearby.
Chapter 16
XV: How Candide Killed the Brother of His Dear Cunégonde
Candide meets Cunégonde's brother, the Jesuit Baron, who recounts his survival and rise to colonel and priest in Paraguay. When Candide declares his intention to marry Cunégonde, the Baron violently rejects him, leading to a fatal duel. Cacambo helps Candide escape by disguising him in the Baron's Jesuit habit.
Chapter 17
XVI: Adventures of the Two Travellers, with Two Girls, Two Monkeys, and the Savages Called Oreillons
Candide and Cacambo, having fled the Jesuit camp, encounter two girls being chased by monkeys. Candide shoots the monkeys, only to discover they were the girls' lovers. The girls then denounce them to the Oreillons, who capture Candide and Cacambo, mistaking Candide for a Jesuit. Cacambo cleverly convinces the Oreillons that Candide is actually their enemy's killer, leading to their release.
Chapter 18
Arrival of Candide and His Valet at El Dorado, and What They Saw There
Candide and Cacambo, after a harrowing journey through dangerous terrain, discover the utopian land of El Dorado, where gold and jewels are treated as common pebbles, the people are polite, and all necessities are provided by the state, leading Candide to wonder if this is the best of all possible worlds.
Chapter 19
XVIII: What They Saw in the Country of El Dorado
Candide and Cacambo arrive in El Dorado, a utopian kingdom where the streets are paved with precious stones, there is no religious conflict, no courts or prisons, and the people live in harmony and gratitude. They meet a wise old man who explains the history and customs of the land, and are later received by the King. Despite the perfection of El Dorado, Candide decides to leave, motivated by his desire to find Cunégonde and to become wealthy in Europe. The King helps them depart with a machine and many sheep laden with gold and jewels.
Chapter 20
Chapter XIX: What Happened to Them at Surinam and How Candide Got Acquainted with Martin
Candide and Cacambo lose most of their sheep and treasure during the journey to Surinam. In Surinam, Candide encounters a mutilated slave who reveals the brutal realities of colonial exploitation, leading Candide to renounce Pangloss's optimism. He then attempts to arrange passage to Buenos Aires to rescue Cunégonde, but the Spanish captain refuses. Candide sends Cacambo ahead to Buenos Aires with diamonds to bribe the governor, while he plans to meet him in Venice. After being cheated by the Dutch skipper Vanderdendur and mistreated by the magistrate, Candide seeks a fellow traveler who is the most discontented man in the province, eventually choosing a poor philosopher named Martin to accompany him.
Chapter 21
XX: What Happened at Sea to Candide and Martin
Candide and the philosopher Martin sail from Surinam to Bordeaux, debating moral and natural evil. Martin declares himself a Manichean, believing the world is governed by a malignant being. They witness a naval battle in which a Dutch pirate ship sinks; Candide recovers one of his lost sheep from El Dorado. Candide sees the event as divine punishment, while Martin questions the fate of innocent passengers. Their philosophical dispute continues for fifteen days without resolution.
Chapter 22
Chapter XXI: Candide and Martin, Reasoning, Draw Near the Coast of France
As Candide and Martin approach the coast of France, they discuss the nature of humanity and society. Martin describes his negative experiences in France, particularly in Paris, where he was robbed, imprisoned, and forced to work as a press corrector. Candide expresses his desire only to see Cunégonde and plans to go to Venice. Their conversation turns to philosophical questions about the world's purpose, the strangeness of love, and whether humans have always been cruel and deceitful. Martin argues that human nature is unchanging and inherently vicious, comparing men to hawks that always eat pigeons. They arrive in Bordeaux still debating.
Chapter 23
XXII: What Happened in France to Candide and Martin
Candide and Martin travel to Paris, where Candide falls ill and is swarmed by doctors, devotees, and a priest demanding a bill for the afterlife. After recovering, they are taken to the theater by a Perigordian Abbé, who later arranges a supper with a Marchioness. Candide is seduced and gives her two diamonds. The Abbé then orchestrates a scheme where a false Cunégonde lures Candide to her bedside, only for an officer to arrest him as a suspected foreigner. Candide bribes the officer with diamonds and escapes to Dieppe, then boards a ship for England, still hoping to reach Venice and the real Cunégonde.
Chapter 24
XXIII: Candide and Martin Touched Upon the Coast of England, and What They Saw There
Candide and Martin discuss the nature of the world as they approach England. Martin describes the English as atrabilious and notes the war with France over Canada. Upon arriving at Portsmouth, they witness the execution of an Admiral for not killing enough enemies, which horrifies Candide. He refuses to go ashore and arranges passage to Venice, hoping to reunite with Cunégonde.
Chapter 25
Of Paquette and Friar Giroflée
Candide and Martin are in Venice, waiting for Cunégonde and Cacambo. Candide is melancholy, but Martin argues that happiness is rare. They encounter Paquette and Friar Giroflée, who appear happy but reveal their miserable lives. Candide gives them money, hoping to make them happy, but Martin remains skeptical. Candide finds some consolation in having found Paquette and his red sheep, hoping he may also find Cunégonde.
Chapter 26
XXV: The Visit to Lord Pococurante, a Noble Venetian
Candide and Martin visit the wealthy Venetian nobleman Lord Pococurante at his palace. Pococurante, though possessing every luxury, expresses profound boredom and dissatisfaction with his art, music, literature, and gardens. Candide is initially impressed by his wealth and critical taste, but Martin observes that Pococurante's constant criticism reveals a deeper unhappiness. The chapter underscores the theme that wealth and refinement do not guarantee happiness.
Chapter 27
Of a Supper Which Candide and Martin Took with Six Strangers, and Who They Were
Candide and Martin are about to have supper with six strangers at their inn when Cacambo appears, now a slave, and tells Candide that Cunégonde is in Constantinople. During the meal, each stranger is revealed to be a deposed monarch: Achmet III (former Sultan), Ivan (former Emperor of Russia), Charles Edward (King of England), the King of Poland, another King of Poland, and King Theodore of Corsica. They share their tales of downfall and resignation to Providence. Candide gives King Theodore a valuable diamond, and the chapter ends with Candide focused on his journey to Constantinople to find Cunégonde.
Chapter 28
Chapter XXVII: Candide's Voyage to Constantinople
Candide and Martin travel to Constantinople, where Candide is reunited with Cacambo and learns that Cunégonde has become ugly and is a slave. Candide ransoms Cacambo and then discovers that Pangloss and the Baron are also galley slaves; he ransoms them as well. They all set out to rescue Cunégonde.
Chapter 29
Chapter XXVIII: What Happened to Candide, Cunégonde, Pangloss, Martin, etc.
Candide apologizes to the Baron for stabbing him, and the Baron explains how he was captured by Spanish troops, imprisoned, and later condemned to the galleys for bathing naked with a young Mussulman. Pangloss then recounts his own survival: he was hanged but not burned due to rain, then dissected by a surgeon, revived, and eventually sent to the galleys for picking up a bouquet in a mosque. He and the Baron were chained together on the same galley, arguing over whose misfortune was greater, until Candide ransomed them. Despite all his suffering, Pangloss stubbornly maintains his Leibnizian optimism.
Chapter 30
Chapter XXIX: How Candide Found Cunégonde and the Old Woman Again
Candide, the Baron, Pangloss, Martin, and Cacambo arrive at the house of the Transylvanian prince and find Cunégonde and the old woman hanging towels. Candide is horrified by Cunégonde's ugliness but agrees to marry her out of good manners. The Baron refuses to allow the marriage, insisting his sister must marry a baron. Candide threatens to kill the Baron again, but the Baron remains obstinate.
Chapter 31
XXX: The Conclusion
Candide reluctantly marries Cunégonde, but their life on the small farm is unhappy. After consulting a Dervish and meeting a contented Turkish farmer, Candide and his companions decide to cultivate their garden, finding purpose in practical work.
Chapter 32
Endnotes
This chapter provides extensive endnotes and commentary on the text of Candide, including explanations of historical references, translations, and clarifications of Voltaire's satirical allusions.
