# XIII: How Candide Was Forced Away from His Fair Cunégonde and the Old Woman explained — Candide

> Chapter companion for Candide by Voltaire.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Human Cruelty

Candide is forced to flee from the threat of being burned alive, highlighting the relentless cruelty and danger he faces.

### Social Class and Inequality

The Old Woman's advice to Cunégonde to marry the wealthy Governor despite her love for Candide underscores the power of social class and economic necessity.

## Character check-ins

### Candide

Reluctantly leaves Cunégonde after being warned by the Old Woman that he will be arrested for killing the Grand Inquisitor.

### Cunégonde

Considered the most beautiful woman by Governor Don Fernando; advised by the Old Woman to marry the Governor for security.

### The Old Woman

Prudently advises Cunégonde to accept the Governor's proposal and warns Candide to flee from the arriving Alcalde.

### The Grand Inquisitor

His murder is the reason for the Alcalde's pursuit of Candide; his stolen diamonds are traced back to him.

## Key lines

> It is a great pity that the sage Pangloss was hanged contrary to custom at an auto-da-fé; he would tell us most amazing things in regard to the physical and moral evils that overspread earth and sea, and I should be able, with due respect, to make a few objections.

Candide laments that Pangloss was executed, as he could have explained the world's evils and allowed Candide to raise objections.

_Candide still clings to Pangloss's philosophy despite witnessing so much suffering._

> Miss, you have seventy-two quarterings, and not a farthing; it is now in your power to be wife to the greatest lord in South America, who has very beautiful moustachios.

The Old Woman tells Cunégonde that despite her noble lineage, she is penniless, and she should marry the wealthy Governor for security.

_The Old Woman pragmatically prioritizes material advantage over romantic fidelity._

## Links

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