# XXX: The Conclusion explained — Candide

> Chapter companion for Candide by Voltaire.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Optimism vs. Pessimism

Pangloss clings to optimism despite suffering, while Martin's pessimism is confirmed; Candide ultimately rejects both for practical action.

### The Search for Happiness

The characters find contentment not in wealth or philosophy, but in cultivating their garden.

### Suffering and Human Cruelty

The old woman's question about the worst suffering and the spectacles of impaled officials underscore ongoing human misery.

## Character check-ins

### Candide

Reluctantly marries Cunégonde, consults the Dervish, and ultimately decides to cultivate his garden.

### Cunégonde

Becomes uglier and more peevish after marriage, but later works as a pastry cook.

### Pangloss

Still asserts optimism despite no longer believing it; argues with the Dervish and later acknowledges the need to work.

### Martin

Concludes man is born to distracting inquietude or lethargic disgust; advocates working without disputing.

### Cacambo

Works in the garden, fatigued and cursing his destiny.

### The Old Woman

Infirm and fretful, but later looks after the linen.

### Paquette

Arrives in misery after squandering money; later works at embroidery.

### Friar Giroflée

Becomes a Turk, then a joiner and an honest man.

## Key lines

> All that is very well, but let us cultivate our garden.

That may be true, but we should focus on our own practical work.

_Candide's final rejection of Pangloss's metaphysical reasoning in favor of productive labor._

> I know also that we must cultivate our garden.

I also understand that we need to tend to our own affairs.

_Candide reiterates the central lesson of the chapter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/candide_se/chapters/xxx-the-conclusion
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/candide_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/candide_se/chapters