Candide · Chapter
XXIII: Candide and Martin Touched Upon the Coast of England, and What They Saw There explained
Candide and Martin discuss the nature of the world as they approach England.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Human Cruelty
The execution of the Admiral for not killing enough men exemplifies institutionalized cruelty.
Folly of Metaphysical Systems
Candide's repeated question 'what sort of a world is this?' contrasts with Pangloss's optimism, highlighting the absurdity of blind philosophical systems.
Characters to notice
- Candide
Expresses despair about the world and is shocked by the execution of the English Admiral.
- Martin
Provides a cynical perspective on England and the war with France.
- Cunégonde
Candide longs to see her again and believes he will find her in Venice.
- Cacambo
Candide trusts him to have arranged matters with Cunégonde.
- Mynheer Vanderdendur
Referenced as the Dutch skipper who robbed Candide in Surinam; Candide fears being robbed again.
Key passages
“Ah, Pangloss! Pangloss! Ah, Martin! Martin! Ah, my dear Cunégonde, what sort of a world is this?”
Candide laments the state of the world, invoking Pangloss, Martin, and Cunégonde.
Candide's despair reflects his disillusionment with optimistic philosophy.
“It is because he did not kill a sufficient number of men himself. He gave battle to a French Admiral; and it has been proved that he was not near enough to him.”
The Admiral was executed for not killing enough enemies, as he was judged to have been too far from the French Admiral during battle.
Voltaire satirizes the arbitrary and brutal justice of the English military.
“in this country it is found good, from time to time, to kill one Admiral to encourage the others.”
In England, it is considered beneficial to occasionally execute an Admiral as a deterrent to others.
A famous line criticizing the execution of Admiral Byng as a political scapegoat.