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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. To whom was the old woman betrothed?

2. How is Candide punished as a prisoner in Lisbon?

3. Why is Candide kicked out of the castle?

4. Why is the Bicayan arrested in Chapter 6?

5. What happens to the Anabaptist in Chapter 5?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Candide when he cannot find Cacambo in Venice?

2. Why was the castrated man sent to the King of Morocco?

3. What happens when Cunégonde, Candide, and the old woman stop at the inn and how do they respond?

4. What is the custom in Eldorado when brought to see the King?

5. In Chapter 18, where do Candide and Cacambo go first to learn about Eldorado?

6. How was Cunégonde's brother healed after Candide stabbed him and what events followed?

7. Explain how Candide responds to the news from Westphalia in Chapter 4.

8. What event results in the reunion of Candide and Cunégonde and how?

9. Describe the house that the old lady brings Candide to after she has cared for him over several days.

10. Why does Candide choose being shot instead of the regimental flogging?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Candide falls victim to many acts of trickery. How do these experiences affect Candide? Does he realize that he is being tricked? What does the ability to trick Candide show about his character? Do you think Candide's character is equipped to function in the world? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Write a critique of CANDIDE. In the critique discuss the author's style, his purpose in writing the book, the literary devices he uses, and the readability of the book. Be honest in your assessment and conclude with your recommendation about whether or not someone should read this book.

Essay Topic 3

Candide experiences practically every situation possible. In that way he can be seen as a universal character. In other ways, however, Candide is so naive, that the reader may have difficulty relating to his innocence. In an essay, explain whether you feel Candide is a character that is easy to relate to. Would you consider him lucky or unlucky? Does this influence how the reader perceives him?

(see the answer keys)

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