Candide · Chapter
Endnotes explained
This chapter provides extensive endnotes and commentary on the text of Candide, including explanations of historical references, translations, and clarifications of Voltaire's satirical allusions.
What happens
This chapter provides extensive endnotes and commentary on the text of Candide, including explanations of historical references, translations, and clarifications of Voltaire's satirical allusions.
Themes in this chapter
Critique of Religious Hypocrisy
Endnotes discuss the Inquisition's auto-da-fé, the rejection of bacon as a sign of Judaism, and the treatment of actors as excommunicated persons.
Suffering and Human Cruelty
References to the Lisbon earthquake, the execution of Admiral Byng, and the cruelty of Muley-Ismael illustrate human suffering.
Folly of Metaphysical Systems
The endnotes explain Socinian and Manichean doctrines, highlighting Voltaire's satire of philosophical systems.
Characters to notice
- Candide
Referenced in endnotes regarding his rendezvous at Venice and his interactions with the Perigordian Abbé.
- Pangloss
The name Pangloss is etymologically explained as deriving from Greek words meaning 'all' and 'language.'
- The Perigordian Abbé
Mentioned in the endnotes for his role in proposing a young woman to Candide.
- Voltaire
The author is frequently referenced in the endnotes, including his enmity with Fréron and his commentary on various historical figures.
- King Theodore
Listed among the six deposed monarchs mentioned in the endnotes.
- Charles Edward Stuart
Listed among the six deposed monarchs mentioned in the endnotes.
- Archdeacon Trublet
Mentioned as a French writer criticized by Voltaire in Candide.
Key passages
“the name of this bird, it may be added, is taken from cuntur , that given it by the aborigines.”
The bird's name comes from the indigenous word 'cuntur.'
Clarifies the etymology of the condor's name.
“Socinians ; followers of the teaching of Lalius and Faustus Socinus (16th century), which denied the doctrine of the Trinity, the deity of Christ, the personality of the devil, the native and total depravity of man, the vicarious atonement and eternal punishment.”
Socinians were followers of the Socinus brothers who rejected core Christian doctrines like the Trinity and eternal punishment.
Explains the religious group referenced in the text.
“Manicheans ; followers of Manes or Manichæus (3rd century), a Persian who maintained that there are two principles, the one good and the other evil, each equally powerful in the government of the world.”
Manicheans believed in two equal and opposing forces of good and evil ruling the world.
Defines the Manichean dualistic philosophy.
“In France actors were at one time looked upon as excommunicated persons, not worthy of burial in holy ground or with Christian rites.”
Actors in France were historically excommunicated and denied Christian burial.
Provides context for Voltaire's criticism of the church's treatment of actors.
“Admiral Byng was shot on March 14, 1757.”
Admiral Byng was executed by firing squad on March 14, 1757.
Historical fact referenced in the endnotes.
“The great earthquake of Lisbon happened on the first of November, 1755.”
The major Lisbon earthquake occurred on November 1, 1755.
Key historical event mentioned in the endnotes.
