Discussion
Use discussion cards to help support your conversation. Share an idea and provide evidence. Then, listen as your partner adds to the idea or asks you a question.
The Questions
How does reading literature from various times, places, and cultures contribute to understanding history and the world's peoples? How does Voltaire's Candide specifically provide insights into the cultural perspective of intellectuals during the Age of Enlightenment?
Who narrates Candide? While Candide is the protagonist, what role does the narrator play in shaping the story and presenting it with some bias?
How does the narrator use irony to convey meaning in describing characters like the Baron? What does this reveal about societal power dynamics and the role of wealth?
In what ways does the narrator employ euphemisms throughout the text? How does this add layers of meaning and facilitate a playful and humorous tone?
Reflect on the importance of "reading between the lines" and analyzing the narrator's descriptions in order to uncover multiple meanings and suggestions within the story.
Consider the impact of point of view in storytelling and how the narrator helps readers engage with the story's world. How does paying close attention to cultural experiences shared in a work of literature enhance our understanding of different times, places, and cultures?
How does examining the point of view and cultural perspectives represented in a literary work contribute to uncovering deeper meanings beyond the surface level? In what ways can this understanding enrich our appreciation and interpretation of the text?
How does Voltaire use the intellectual movement of the Age of Enlightenment as reflected in Candide to explore the significance and consequences of individuals taking a stand against societal norms and authority figures?