Candide

Voltaire

A young man named Candide is expelled from his castle home and embarks on a series of misadventures across the globe. Throughout his travels, he encounters numerous disasters and meets the supposed-dead members of his family. After discovering the paradise of El Dorado and gaining wealth, Candide eventually reunites with his beloved Cunegonde and settles to cultivate a modest garden, discovering that meaningful work brings contentment.

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Divisions

Chapter I
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Candide is raised in a Westphalian castle and learns optimistic philosophy from Dr. Pangloss.
Chapter II
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Candide is recruited into the Bulgarian army and subjected to harsh military discipline.
Chapter III
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Candide escapes the war and travels through ravaged villages to Holland.
Chapter IV
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Candide reunites with Dr. Pangloss, now diseased and suffering greatly.
Chapter V
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A terrible tempest and earthquake destroy the ship and kill the kind Anabaptist James.
Chapter VI
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Portuguese authorities execute an auto-da-fe, whipping Candide to prove their optimism.
Chapter VII
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An old woman assists Candide and reunites him with the beautiful Cunegonde.
Chapter VIII
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Cunegonde recounts her tragic history of suffering and enslavement.
Chapter IX
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Candide kills a Jew and the Grand Inquisitor to protect Cunegonde.
Chapter X
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The trio escapes to Cadiz and embarks on a ship bound for South America.
Chapter XI
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The old woman reveals her extraordinary life as daughter of a Pope.
Chapter XII
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The old woman continues her account of suffering across Africa and Eastern Europe.
Chapter XIII
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The Governor of Buenos Ayres courts Cunegonde; Candide must flee as authorities pursue him.
Chapter XIV
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Candide discovers the Governor's Jesuit commander is Cunegonde's brother.
Chapter XV
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Candide kills the Baron in a dispute over Cunegonde and flees.
Chapter XVI
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Candide and Cacambo rescue native girls and encounter the Oreillons tribe.
Chapter XVII
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Candide and Cacambo discover the paradise of El Dorado.
Chapter XVIII
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Candide learns El Dorado's peaceful society and decides to leave despite its perfection.
Chapter XIX
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Candide loses his treasure, meets the pessimistic Martin, and encounters enslaved Africans.
Chapter XX
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Candide and Martin witness naval combat and philosophical debate on the voyage.
Chapter XXI
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Candide and Martin approach France, debating human nature and happiness.
Chapter XXII
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Candide visits Paris, loses money at gambling, and encounters Cunegonde's impostor.
Chapter XXIII
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Candide arrives in England and witnesses the execution of an admiral.
Chapter XXIV
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Candide meets Paquette and a Theatin friar; both are miserable despite appearances.
Chapter XXV
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Lord Pococurante, though wealthy, finds no pleasure in art, literature, or life.
Chapter XXVI
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Candide encounters six dethroned kings and learns Cunegonde is in Constantinople.
Chapter XXVII
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Candide sails to Constantinople to rescue Cunegonde from slavery.
Chapter XXVIII
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Candide discovers Pangloss and the Baron alive as galley slaves and ransoms them.
Chapter XXIX
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Candide reunites with the aged, ugly Cunegonde and resolves to marry her.
Chapter XXX
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Candide and companions settle on a farm, concluding that we must cultivate our garden.