Candide · Chapter
Of a Supper Which Candide and Martin Took with Six Strangers, and Who They Were explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Human Cruelty
Each king recounts his fall from power, imprisonment, and loss, highlighting the universal experience of suffering.
Folly of Metaphysical Systems
The kings' resignation to Providence contrasts with their actual misfortunes, satirizing the idea that all is for the best.
Characters to notice
- Candide
Overjoyed to see Cacambo, learns Cunégonde is in Constantinople, and gives a diamond to King Theodore.
- Martin
Sits with Candide at supper, observes the scene unconcernedly.
- Cacambo
Appears as a slave, informs Candide of Cunégonde's location, and serves one of the kings.
- King Theodore
One of the six kings, elected King of Corsica, now impoverished; receives gifts from the other kings and Candide.
Key passages
“Cunégonde is not here, she is at Constantinople.”
Cunégonde is not present; she is in Constantinople.
Cacambo informs Candide of Cunégonde's location.
“I am Achmet III. I was Grand Sultan many years. I dethroned my brother; my nephew dethroned me...”
I am Achmet III, former Sultan, deposed by my nephew.
First king reveals his identity.
“I am Charles Edward, King of England; my father has resigned all his legal rights to me. I have fought in defence of them; and above eight hundred of my adherents have been hanged, drawn, and quartered.”
I am Charles Edward, claimant to the English throne, whose supporters were executed.
Third king recounts his struggle and losses.
“I am Theodore, elected King of Corsica; I had the title of Majesty, and now I am scarcely treated as a gentleman.”
I am Theodore, once King of Corsica, now treated poorly.
Sixth king describes his reduced circumstances.