Candide - Chapitre 30

This PowerPoint explores the explicit of Voltaire’s Candide (Chapter 30), where the long journey of the hero concludes with the famous formula: « il faut cultiver notre jardin ». It provides students with a structured approach to understanding how Voltaire closes his conte philosophique with both a resolution and a moral lesson.
What’s included:
Context: the Enlightenment theme of the quête du bonheur and the functions of a conte philosophique’s ending
A close reading of the final chapter, showing how Candide evolves from naïve disciple to independent thinker
Analysis of the symbolic meaning of the garden and the lesson of work as a remedy against illusions
Contrast between Pangloss’ empty optimism and Candide’s pragmatic philosophy
Study of the reunion of characters in the métairie and their new roles
Exploration of how the explicit both recalls the structure of a fairy tale and delivers a philosophical conclusion

Why this resource?
Provides clear, classroom-ready slides for close textual analysis
Helps students interpret Voltaire’s final message and its Enlightenment values
Encourages debate around the meaning of « cultiver son jardin »
Ideal for A-level French