Candide

by

Voltaire

Candide: Chapter 14 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
As the Inquisitor's minions arrive, Candide flees from Buenos Aires with his valet, Cacambo. Cacambo proposes bringing him to the kingdom of the rebellious Jesuits in Paraguay, where the indigenous people own nothing and the clergy own everything, and the government is a “masterpiece of reason and justice.” Candide agrees to go, promised that he will be able to make his fortune there.
Again, the novel satirizes the corruption, power, and hypocrisy of the church. Although they are supposed to be instruments of divine goodwill, the Jesuit Fathers have taken everything from the indigenous people, and are making war against the Spanish and Portuguese kings.
Themes
Optimism and Disillusion Theme Icon
The Enlightenment and Social Criticism Theme Icon
Religion and Philosophy vs. The World Theme Icon
Wealth Theme Icon
Quotes
When they arrive, Candide is told that the Reverend Commandant does not speak with Spaniards. When the Reverend Commandant learns that Candide is not a Spaniard, but a German, he agrees to see him. The Commandant turns out to be the former young Baron of Thunder-ten-tronckh, Cunégonde's brother, previously thought dead. Candide and the young baron have a tearful reunion.
Here again, a character who was thought to be dead returns in a new role. This is part of Candide's comically rapid cycle of reunions and separations, successes and reversals, optimism and disillusionment.
Themes
Optimism and Disillusion Theme Icon