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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. In the old woman's story about her past, what did the soldiers of the Pope do when the ship was attacked?

2. Where is the man who finds the Princess born?

3. What gives Candide a chance to escape the Bulgarians?

4. How is the Princess of Palestrina's betrothed killed?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Candide, Cunégonde, and the old woman flee in chapter 9, and where do they go?

2. With how many sheep do Candide and Cacambo arrive in Cayenne? What happens to the other sheep and how does Candide respond to the loss?

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

4. What event happens during Martin and Candide's discussion of the subject of moral and physical evil? How does Candide use this to his advantage?

5. Who is the Commandant and what news does Candide bring him?

6. Why do the learned men tell Pococurante you should always have Homer in your library?

7. What is the story of the death of James, the Anabaptist?

8. What odd encounter occurs on the way to Constantinople?

9. What arms are used by the armies during the war between the Bulgars and the Avars?

10. How did the young princess in the old woman's story end up in Morocco?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay stating your opinion on the subject of injustice. Consider in your essay the things suffered by Candide simply because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. You may also want to include the treatment of Cunegonde and the princess in your paper. Conclude with examples of injustice today.

Essay Topic 2

The responsibility of free will is a recurring theme in the novel. Using examples from the text, explain the arguments that characters have over the nature of free will. Do the characters seem to make decisions on their own or due to forces outside of their control?

Essay Topic 3

Is the world Candide inhabits truly "the best of all possible worlds?" Describe some ways it is and some ways it isn't. Does he encounter anyone who is truly happy? Explain the vision Candide eventually comes to in his search for the best of all possible worlds.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 804 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample