Optimism vs Pessimism
Satirical Journey
Characters
Major Events
Historical Context
100

What philosophy does Pangloss espouse, believing that "all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds"?

Optimism

100

This character's journey takes him from Westphalia to a series of adventures across Europe and South America.

Candide

100

This character is an optimistic philosopher who teaches Candide.  

Pangloss

100

The event that leads to Candide being kicked out of the baron's castle.  

A kiss from Cunegonde

100

Voltaire wrote "Candide" during this century, which was characterized by Enlightenment thinking.  

18th century

200

Who is Candide's foil, often presenting a more cynical view of life throughout their adventures?

Martin

200

Which societal institution is satirized through events such as the war, poverty, and the treatment of the nobility?

Organized religion


200

Candide’s love interest who suffers numerous hardships throughout the story.  

Cunegonde

200

This catastrophic event occurs in Lisbon, showcasing the futility of optimism.  

Earthquake

200

This major historical event, occurring in the 18th century, deeply influences the themes of suffering in "Candide."  

Seven Years War

300

In the end, Candide concludes that life is full of suffering and hardship, leading him to reject this philosophy. What does he famously declare they must do instead?

"cultivate our garden" / or anything about a garden


300

What geographical setting does Voltaire often use to illustrate the absurdity of human conflict?

War grounds / battlefields

300

A cynical man who accompanies Candide and serves as a counterpoint to Pangloss’s optimism.  

Martin
300

This event leads to the loss of Cunegonde and Candide being conscripted into the army.  

War

300

The philosophical movement that emphasized reason and individualism, was heavily critiqued in "Candide."  

The enlightment

400

This character embodies blind optimism but faces severe misfortune and suffering throughout the narrative.

Pangloss


400

Candide's forced conscription into which institution that enforces brutality?

Military

400

This character represents the harsh realities of life, finding herself in desperate situations.

Old Woman

400

Candide's experience in this utopian society significantly alters his worldview.  

El Dorado

400

What year did Candide's start take place?

1759

500

Candide experiences repeated misfortunes, prompting reflection on the nature of happiness versus suffering. What term describes this philosophical exploration?

Existentialism

500

How many places did Candide visit in total?

9 places

500

The anti-baptist that drowns

Jaques, not James, should have gotten the better version of the book

500

What "shook" and killed thousands, this event was witnessed by Candide.

Lisbon earthquake

500

The literary genre that "Candide" is often associated with, highlights its satirical nature.  

Philosophical novel

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