How does Candide end?

After reunions, rescues, and one last philosophical argument with Pangloss and Martin, Candide declares they must cultivate their garden — turn from chasing causes across continents to shared labor and modest happiness. Cunégonde is worn; Pangloss still insists all was necessary; Martin expects little but helps work. The ending refuses grand utopia after El Dorado proved unreachable.

Readers debate whether the garden is resignation or sane focus. Voltaire offers no return to Pangloss’s castle innocence. Candide has seen slavery, earthquake, war; his conclusion is anti-system, pro-activity. Classroom tie-in: list what each character does on the farm versus what they used to argue.