Candide Study Questions

What sort of person is Candide?  What do we learn early in the book about his character?  Create a list of adjectives that describe him.

What do we learn about war and armies from Candide’s experiences?

What about religion?

What does the book reveal about the status of women in 18^th century Europe?  What kinds of racial ideas do the characters seem to have?

Why does Candide expect a better life in the New World?  What good and bad things do he and his friends find there?

How do Candide and Cacambo come to Eldorado?  What sort of place is it, and why do they decide to leave?

How is European society and politics portrayed from chapter 21 on?

Why is Candide’s reunion with Cunegonde an anti-climax?  Why does he marry her?

How do the characters finally attain happiness?

Discussion Question: Is this an appropriate ending to the story?  What do you think of the “philosophy” that Candide winds up adopting?

Discussion Question: Is this an optimistic or pessimistic account of humanity/18^th century Europe?  What is wrong with the world?  What are the sources of evil/problems?  Can people overcome these problems?