Candide, Chapter 2 summary
Chapter 2 of 30 · 4 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 2, Candide accepts food and money from two strangers, who force him into the Bulgarian army, where training and an innocent walk bring savage punishment. The king pardons him just before his execution, and a surgeon restores him enough to march as war begins against the Abares.
What happens
- Hungry and cold, Candide reaches Waldberghofftrarbk-dikdorff, where two men in blue offer him dinner and money.
- After making him drink to their king, the men shackle Candide and take him to a regiment.
- Candide receives blows during military training, then takes a walk because he believes he is free to do so.
- Four soldiers capture him, and he must choose between repeated whipping by the regiment and death by shooting.
- After enduring two rounds of whipping, Candide begs to be shot, but the passing king pardons him.
- A surgeon treats Candide for three weeks, and he can march when the Bulgarian king goes to war.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Candide's belief in freedom offers no protection against military force. His captors allow only a choice between forms of violence.
Quick check
Why does the King of the Bulgarians pardon Candide?
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