Who the Old Woman is
The Old Woman is once a princess and a pope's daughter, but she has lost almost everything. When she tells her life story during a sea voyage, she describes suffering even worse than Cunégonde's. Her experience gives a practical weight to the book's argument about suffering, hope and survival.
The Old Woman and the others in the story
The Old Woman first appears when Candide is wounded and confused after his punishment in Lisbon. She treats his wounds and takes him to the house where Cunégonde waits. When danger forces Candide and Cunégonde to flee, she guides them toward Cadiz.
Unlike Doctor Pangloss, who explains misfortune through his doctrine, she knows how to cope with it. Her care for Candide makes her more than a teller of terrible stories.
Questions
Who is the Old Woman in Candide?
The Old Woman is a practical companion who helps Candide and Cunégonde through danger.
What is the Old Woman's past?
She was once a princess and a pope's daughter, and her life brings repeated suffering and loss.
How does the Old Woman help Candide?
She tends his wounds, brings him to Cunégonde and helps guide their escape toward Cadiz.