Chapter 25: Now inside the senator's
home, Candide and Martin find that the man is not at all satisfied with his life or his many possessions,
but is constantly critical or cynical about all that he has. For example, his paintings by Rafael
don't please him, Homer bores him and he finds neither the writing of Virgil, Horace or Milton very
great. Later, when Candide
and Martin discuss their visit alone, Candide tries to salvage his premise that Pocourante is the happiest
of all men, saying that there must be some kind of pleasure in "seeing faults where other people think
they see beauties." Yet when Martin challenges his thesis, Candide admits that perhaps only he himself
is optimistic at the prospect of again seeing Cunégonde.
Chapter 26: While Candide is waiting
in his hotel for dinner to be served, Cacambo, serving as a waiter, reveals himself to his old friend,
saying that he is a slave now and that Cunégonde isn't with him, but is staying in Constantinople.
Cacambo tells Candide that he has arranged for a ship to take him to his lover. This is the main
plot development of the chapter, though an interesting side note to the story is the account of the
six kings who are dining with Candide and Martin. Apparently even the royalty cannot escape the
miseries of life, as they reveal their identities to Candide and to each other, explaining the horrible
fortunes which have befallen them.
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