Chapter XXIV

Candide laments that despite traveling extensively, he has not found Cunegonde and concludes she must be dead, expressing regret at leaving El Dorado.

Martin argues that Cacambo, having acquired wealth, will not seek out Cunegonde or will keep her for himself, and advises Candide to forget them both.

Martin asserts that there is very little virtue or happiness on earth except in El Dorado, which is inaccessible.

Candide points out a cheerful young Theatin friar with a pretty girl, suggesting they appear to be the only happy people he has encountered outside El Dorado.

Martin disputes Candide's assessment and bets that the friar and girl are not happy.

Candide invites the friar and girl to dine with him, believing this will prove they are happy.

The girl reveals herself to be Paquette, whom Candide knew before, prompting his recollection.

Paquette recounts how she was seduced by a friar, forced into prostitution, beaten by a surgeon's jealous wife, imprisoned, and now endures the misery of her profession in Venice.

Martin notes that Paquette's revelation about her unhappiness validates his position.

Candide points out that Paquette appeared gay and affectionate with the friar, contradicting her claims of unhappiness.

Paquette reveals that she must maintain a cheerful demeanor despite hardship because she was beaten the previous day and must please her current client.

Candide accepts that Martin's pessimism was justified and they proceed to dine together.

Candide suggests that the friar enjoys an enviable state with health, contentment, and a pretty girl.

The friar confesses that he despises his religious vows, which were imposed by his parents to benefit an elder brother, and that he and his fellow friars live in misery and discord.

Martin confirms that the friar's revelation proves his claim that neither the friar nor Paquette is happy.

Candide gifts money to both, believing it will make them happy.

Martin expresses skepticism that the money will make them happier, suggesting it may only increase their misery.

Candide notes that he has found people thought lost (his sheep and Paquette), giving him hope of finding Cunegonde.

Martin wishes that finding Cunegonde would make Candide happy but doubts it very much.

Candide calls Martin hard to believe, and Martin responds that his experience has shaped his skepticism.

Martin argues that gondoliers appear to sing happily but actually suffer at home, and that even their superiority to the Doge is negligible.

Candide references rumors that Senator Pococurante has never experienced unhappiness.

Martin agrees that such a contented person would be remarkable and worth observing.

Candide arranges to visit the senator the following day to test whether Pococurante is truly happy.