Activity Overview
It is impossible to teach Candide without teaching satire. The novel is a wonderful way to introduce or reinforce this difficult literary concept. Use storyboards to help students isolate examples of satire and thus enrich their understanding of Voltaire’s nuanced social critique. Discuss elements of satire together as a class to get started. Consider reviewing the following concepts:
- Irony
- Litote
- Understatement
- Hyperbole
- Contradiction
- Comic juxtaposition
Les Éléments de la Satire
L'ironie
“Cependant, à force de médecines et de saignées, la maladie de Candide devint sérieuse.”
La litote
"tous deux furent menés séparément dans des appartements d'une extrême fraîcheur, dans lesquels on n'était jamais incommodé du soleil..."
La contradiction
"et tout fut consterné dans le plus beau et le plus agréable des châteaux possibles"
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Candide is a satire, a work that uses humor to criticize something. Satire makes use of irony, hyperbole, contradiction, understatement, and comic juxtaposition to create its effect. As you study examples of satire in Candide, try to identify the literary device Voltaire uses to create that satire.
For this assignment, you will create a storyboard illustrating three examples of satire in Candide. Review your reading carefully to find specific lines or situations that reflect different satirical elements. As in the example storyboard, identify the kind of satirical device, then illustrate the scene, and include the relevant line from the text. Be prepared to explain your examples to the class.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Excellent 7 Points | Satisfaisant 4 Points | Insuffisant 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Element of Satire Example | Each element of satire is correctly identified in the textual example. The three different examples reflect a strong understanding of satirical elements. | At least two of three elements of satire are correctly identified in the textual example. The three different examples reflect a basic understanding of satirical elements. | The majority of satirical elements and examples are misidentified. The storyboard reflects a lack of understanding of satirical elements. |
| Images | All storyboard depictions show effort and appropriately depict a scene demonstrating the satirical element. | Most storyboard depictions show effort and depict a scene related to the satirical element. | The storyboard depictions show a lack of effort and fail to provide a depiction that connects to their text and/or a satirical element. |
| Grammar and Spelling | All sentences and/or dialogue contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks) as appropriate for the class level. | Most sentences and/or dialogue contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks) as appropriate for the class level. | The sentences and/or dialogue contain many grammatical or spelling errors (including accent marks). |
Activity Overview
It is impossible to teach Candide without teaching satire. The novel is a wonderful way to introduce or reinforce this difficult literary concept. Use storyboards to help students isolate examples of satire and thus enrich their understanding of Voltaire’s nuanced social critique. Discuss elements of satire together as a class to get started. Consider reviewing the following concepts:
- Irony
- Litote
- Understatement
- Hyperbole
- Contradiction
- Comic juxtaposition
Les Éléments de la Satire
L'ironie
“Cependant, à force de médecines et de saignées, la maladie de Candide devint sérieuse.”
La litote
"tous deux furent menés séparément dans des appartements d'une extrême fraîcheur, dans lesquels on n'était jamais incommodé du soleil..."
La contradiction
"et tout fut consterné dans le plus beau et le plus agréable des châteaux possibles"
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Candide is a satire, a work that uses humor to criticize something. Satire makes use of irony, hyperbole, contradiction, understatement, and comic juxtaposition to create its effect. As you study examples of satire in Candide, try to identify the literary device Voltaire uses to create that satire.
For this assignment, you will create a storyboard illustrating three examples of satire in Candide. Review your reading carefully to find specific lines or situations that reflect different satirical elements. As in the example storyboard, identify the kind of satirical device, then illustrate the scene, and include the relevant line from the text. Be prepared to explain your examples to the class.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Excellent 7 Points | Satisfaisant 4 Points | Insuffisant 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Element of Satire Example | Each element of satire is correctly identified in the textual example. The three different examples reflect a strong understanding of satirical elements. | At least two of three elements of satire are correctly identified in the textual example. The three different examples reflect a basic understanding of satirical elements. | The majority of satirical elements and examples are misidentified. The storyboard reflects a lack of understanding of satirical elements. |
| Images | All storyboard depictions show effort and appropriately depict a scene demonstrating the satirical element. | Most storyboard depictions show effort and depict a scene related to the satirical element. | The storyboard depictions show a lack of effort and fail to provide a depiction that connects to their text and/or a satirical element. |
| Grammar and Spelling | All sentences and/or dialogue contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks) as appropriate for the class level. | Most sentences and/or dialogue contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks) as appropriate for the class level. | The sentences and/or dialogue contain many grammatical or spelling errors (including accent marks). |
How Tos about Candide et les Éléments de la Satire / Candide Elements of Satire
Quickly introduce satire using relatable, everyday examples
Hook students by sharing a funny meme, cartoon, or short video clip that pokes fun at a common situation (like school lunches or homework). This helps students connect satire to their own experiences before exploring it in literature.
Guide students to spot satire in short, modern texts
Give students a short news parody or comic strip and ask them to identify the target and the technique (irony, exaggeration, etc.). This builds confidence in recognizing satire's building blocks in familiar contexts.
Model how to analyze satirical techniques in Candide
Read a brief passage aloud and think aloud as you identify the satirical device and its effect. Use simple, direct language to make your thought process transparent for students.
Encourage collaborative exploration through small group discussion
Assign each group a different passage from Candide and have them work together to find the satirical elements, discuss their purpose, and share their findings with the class. This promotes active engagement and peer learning.
Wrap up with a creative, low-stakes satire challenge
Invite students to write or draw a satirical take on a school rule or daily routine using one literary device from Candide. This activity encourages application and synthesis in a way that's both fun and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Candide et les Éléments de la Satire / Candide Elements of Satire
What are the main elements of satire in Candide?
Candide uses several elements of satire such as irony, hyperbole, contradiction, understatement, and comic juxtaposition to humorously critique society and human behavior.
How can I teach satire using Candide in my classroom?
To teach satire with Candide, have students identify examples of satirical devices in the text, create storyboards or spider maps illustrating these examples, and discuss how Voltaire uses humor to criticize social issues.
What is an example of irony in Candide?
An example of irony in Candide is the line: “Cependant, à force de médecines et de saignées, la maladie de Candide devint sérieuse.” This highlights the absurdity of medical practices and serves as a humorous critique of authority.
Why is Candide considered an effective introduction to satire for high school students?
Candide is effective for teaching satire because its clear examples of satirical techniques—like irony and exaggeration—help students grasp complex literary devices in an engaging, accessible way.
What is a storyboard activity for analyzing satire in Candide?
A storyboard activity asks students to pick three satirical moments in Candide, identify the device used, illustrate each scene, and include quotes. This visual approach reinforces comprehension and analysis.
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