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Candide Study Guide

by Voltaire

Candide study guide contains a biography of Voltaire, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

Endowed with an "honest mind" and "great simplicity of heart," Candide lives in the castle of the Baron of Westphalia. He is rumored to be the illegitimate son of the Baroness, an imposing three hundred and fifty-pound woman. His tutor Pangloss instills in him a doctrine of optimism whereby "everything is for the best." One day, the Baron discovers Candide and Miss Cunégonde, the attractive daughter of the Baron, kissing behind a screen and banishes Candide from the castle.

In despair over his newfound state of exile, Candide finds consolation in a tavern with two men, who invite him to dinner. But they soon put him in shackles and consign him to the army of the King of the Bulgars.

Candide escapes from the Bulgar army during a gruesome…

Read the full Candide Summary

• Candide Summary
• About Candide
• Character List
• Major Themes
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters I-IV
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters V-XII
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters XIII-XX
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters XXI-XXV
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters XXVI-XXX
• Related Links on Candide
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• Candide: Major Themes
• Candide: Essays
• Candide: E-Text
• Candide: Questions
• Candide: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Voltaire: Biography