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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does the local tribe think Candide and Cacambo are?

2. Who relieved Cacambo of all his wealth after he buys back Cunegonde?

3. Why is Candide still optimistic after meeting Senator Pococurante?

4. Why does Candide pay the Dutch captain to sail to Venice as soon as possible?

5. Who is known as the best philosopher in the area?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Candide keeps his head up by thinking about his life together with Cunégonde. Write an essay describing the quest for Cunégonde. Does Candide ever doubt that he will be with her? Why or why not? How does Cunégonde serve as a motivating factor? Do you think Cunégonde herself is a motivator or that it is the idea of Cunégonde that motivates Candide? Are these the same or different? What does Cunégonde represent?

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

Throughout the novel, almost every character has a story of being brutally attacked, raped, or violently removed from a higher position in society. What role does violence play in the novel? Which characters are most affected by violence? Why do you think the author chose to include such graphic depictions of violence in the novel?

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