Major Works Review: Candide (in italics) GENERAL 1. Title: Candide 2. Author: Voltaire 3.

Date of Original Publication: 1759 4. Novel Type: Satire STRUCTURE 1. Point of View: Third person 2. Relationship to meaning: Makes it easier for the reader to follow the events. 3. Plot Structure a. Exposition: Introduction of the Baron and his family
b.

Inciting Incident: Candide is expelled from his home for kissing Cungonde; he wanders the world attempting to preserve his life and reunite with his beloved

c. Events contributing to rising action: Candide and Panglosss optimistic world view is challenged by numerous disasters; Candides love for Cungonde is repeatedly thwarted. d. Climax (Crisis/turning point): Candide finds Cungonde enslaved in Turkey; the two are married e. Events contributing to falling action: Candide, Cungonde, Pangloss, and their friends struggle with boredom; they find solace in f. Resolution: Candide disconvers the meaning of life and settles peacefully with his friends and lover. g. Other Significant Structural Elements: Candide is a novella. It is shorter than a regular novel. CHARACTERS 1. Protagonist a. Name and significance: Candide; main character; book is about his adventures b. Characteristics and thematic significance: very innocent. c. Change or epiphany and thematic significance: He goes through many adventures and gradually matures into an experienced and practical man. 2. Antagonist a. Name and significance: Everyone else; the world b. Characteristics and significance: Everyone is against him, but eventually teach him to be a wiser person 3. Moral Center of work a. Name: Pangloss b. Characteristics: He is the teacher of Cungonde. He is considered very learned but his principles are basically nonsensical. c. Thematic purpose: His ideas revolve around Candides adventures 4. Other Significant Characters (list as many as needed) Cungonde She is the beautiful young daughter of the Baron. She is in love with Candide and finally marries him. Martin A pessimist, and an exceptionally unhappy man. SETTING

1. Place and symbolic significance: Various locations in Europe and South America 2. Time period and contextual significance: 1750s 3. Time span: a few months CONFLICTS 1. Main conflict: Candide and Panglosss optimistic world view is challenged by numerous disasters; Candides love for Cungonde is repeatedly thwarted a. Type of conflict: Man vs. Society b. Values embodied in conflict (expressed as oppositionsomething vs. something) Candide and most of his colleagues realize at the end of the novel that life is neither all pleasant nor all bad c. Thematic significance of conflict: pursuit of happiness. Candide is searching for what makes people happy throughout the entire story, but nothing seems to be the answer. 2. Minor conflicts and thematic significance: Candide encounters many weird conflicts during his journey like the earthquake, etc. SYMBOLS , MOTIFS, AND ALLUSIONS (3-5) Literal Symbol Figurative Meaning Relationship to Theme
Voltaires ideal society El Dorado Gardens multiple times in the novel Parodies the Garden of Eden Connects with Candides journey to find his meaning for life reflects a change of character and a new start for Candide. Voltaire implies that some religions if not all are corrupted by society Voltaire satirizes Candides innocence by naming his main character innocent

Satirizes life Religion Innocence Candide Odd one out; uniqueness Red Sheep The Baron Satirizes aristocracy

symbol of uniqueness since all were stolen but a few which remained in a world of white sheep. Voltaires wish and hatred for aristocracy since he and many other people suffered at the hands of aristocrats.

SIGNIFICANCE OF TITLE
Candide literally means innocent. The main character, Candides innocence is satirized throughout the novel.

THEMATIC STATEMENTS (2-3) 1.Voltaire exposes the evils in his contemporary society in a satirical manner; wherever, Candide goes he finds sin, selfishness and religious intolerance.
2. Although the novel Candide is a satire on the evils prevailing in society, goodness is not completely

ruled out by Voltaires portrayal of purity and innocence. CONTEXT 1. Historical: Voltaire was an Enlightenment thinker, which is reflected in his concern with the power of reason, rejection of the tyranny of church and state, and interest in equality among men

2. Biographical: Candide is influenced by Voltaires views and his own experiences of life. He uses satire to criticize superstition, religion, aristocracy, and the church, which were highly controversial during his time period. 3. Literary/Philosophical Time Period: Voltaire had read and admired the works of many great authors like Swift, Pope, Gay, Shakespeare, Milton, and others. His writing in Candide is critical of Popes view in Essay on Man when he (Pope) emphasizes that whatever is, is right. 10 KEY QUOTES
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

POSSIBLE AP LIT PROMPTS