Candide, Chapter 12 summary
Chapter 12 of 30 · 6 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 12, the old woman continues her account of betrayal, slavery, plague, and mutilation, explaining how she survives and becomes Cunegonde’s companion. She turns her suffering into an argument about attachment to life and urges Cunegonde to test whether the other passengers also consider themselves deeply unfortunate.
What happens
- A eunuch recognizes the old woman as his former charge, promises help, then sells her in Algiers.
- She survives the plague and passes through several owners before an Aga takes her to the siege of Azof.
- Starving Janissaries eat their eunuchs, then follow an imam’s advice to cut flesh from the women rather than kill them.
- Russians capture the fort, and a French surgeon heals the women before making advances to the old woman.
- She endures forced service in Russia, escapes after her owner’s execution, and works in inns across many countries.
- She explains her attachment to life, identifies Don Issachar as her former employer, and urges Cunegonde to question the passengers.
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In this chapter
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What does the old woman advise Cunegonde to ask the passengers?
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