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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. What happened the man who found the old woman and spoke her language when he was a child?

2. Fleeing the Spanish who are looking for the murderer of the Grand Inquisitor, where do Candide and Cacambo head in Chapter 14?

3. What do Candide and Cunegonde's brother do for a long time in Chapter 14?

4. How many people are being punished in the auto-da-fé?

5. What happens to Candide and Pangloss in the auto-da-fe?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Candide given his name?

2. What do the people in Eldorado pray for?

3. Why is it apparent that the Baron is one of the most powerful lords in the area?

4. After escaping, what does Candide observe about the war?

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

6. Describe the conversation that Martin and Candide have after leaving Senator Pococurante's palace.

7. Why do the rulers of Paraguay prefer foreigners?

8. What is the reason behind the quarrels between Don Issachar and the Grand Inquisitor?

9. What happens when Mr. Issachar enters, finding Candide and Cunégonde on the couch?

10. Describe what happens on Candide and Cacambo's trip to Cayenne and how they end up in Eldorado.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Candide encounters many flawed character, and a few good ones. Cite some examples of each, and then explain whether Voltaire presents humanity as mainly good or mainly evil? How does he portray character flaws - as weaknesses or as just parts of human nature?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on learning to understand other cultures. What different cultures appear in Candide? Does he make an attempt to understand them better? Why should someone make the effort to understand a culture different than their own? What are the benefits and drawbacks?

(see the answer keys)

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