Cliffs Notes on Voltaire's Candide

by James K. Lowers, CliffsNotes, Voltaire

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background.CliffsNotes on Candide explores the best known philosophic tale from Voltaire. The tale is a vehicle for his profoundest views on politics, religion, and philosophy. At the same time, it is an adventure tale about a young hero who travels far and wide and experiences great dangers.

With this study guide, you ll see why Voltaire is considered among the greatest satirists in literature. Along with detailed explanations of the plot, your understanding will increase with insight into the life and times of the author. Other features that help you study include


Background on Voltaire s contemporaries and influences
Character analyses of major players
A character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the characters
Critical essays
Review questions
Classic literature or modern modern-day treasure you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

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82 pages, Paperback

First published April 12, 1965

Reviews

[Robert Jr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this brushing up on my favorite school book which I read several times while it was required reading. I had always intended to return to it as I have a copy on my shelves. I just haven't gotten to it yet. So instead I read Cliff's Notes on it. It was an easy read taking only a couple of hours and was informative on Voltaire's prior works that influenced Candide and the style of the story. Some of these points I did recognize from way back in high school English. Note that there is a sentence maybe two that come off as a little insensitive when discussing the Jewish bankers that victimized both Voltaire (in life) and Candide in the story. I do recommend this book if you need a study guide to go along with Candide. I realize that Cliff's Notes for the most part are a "safe" choice when it comes to supplemental (and refresh) reading.

[Anne]

Having this in hand as I read Candide was like watching a movie with the commentary track - so helpful! (And I do love me a commentary track.) No way was I going to undertake reading a book as old and culturally detailed as Candide without a little help. I mean, I barely keep up with the politics and such of the 21st century, no way would I have gotten as much out of Candide without something feeding me background info on the politics, philosophers, and such of mid-18th century Europe. Both the summaries (which translated some things for me) and commentaries were very, very helpful.

I couldn't figure out what to rate Candide or, apparently, its Cliffs Notes. *shrug* Maybe if I sit on a while my brain will let me know later.

[Emily Rooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

:)

[Jonathan Maas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great supplement to a work that changed the world. Thank you James K. Lowers for bringing this to the world!

[Geetu Melwani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why would I read cliff notes?!

well, I've always wanted to know more about Candide, and thought this would give me an easy way to do so. Perhaps some day I'll read the book itself