# Platonic Love explained — The Indiscreet Jewels

> Chapter companion for The Indiscreet Jewels by Denis Diderot.

## What happens

Mangogul, after dismissing thoughts of Zaide, walks with Mirzoza and Selim in the seraglio groves. A philosophical debate arises about the nature of love: Mirzoza argues for love based on esteem and character, while Mangogul and Selim insist that love is fundamentally driven by physical desire and enjoyment. Selim recounts the story of Hilas, a handsome young man cursed by a Pagoda to lose his virility until a woman loves him despite his defect, and of Iphis, a maiden similarly cursed. They meet, love platonically, and are both cured, but Hilas is later threatened with a relapse.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Cynicism

The chapter contrasts Mirzoza's idealistic view of love with Mangogul and Selim's cynical insistence that love is rooted in physical desire.

### Truth vs. Appearance

Hilas's handsome appearance hides his defect, and the women's initial attraction turns to scorn when the truth is revealed.

### Satire of Court and Society

The debate and the embedded story mock the pretensions of courtly love and the hypocrisy of social conventions around romance.

## Character check-ins

### Mangogul

Debates the nature of love with Mirzoza, arguing that love is fundamentally about physical enjoyment.

### Mirzoza

Defends idealistic love based on esteem and character, but is eventually silenced by the story of Hilas.

### Selim

Supports Mangogul's view on love and narrates the story of Hilas and Iphis.

### Hilas

A young man cursed by a Pagoda to lose his virility; his story illustrates the theme of platonic love.

### Iphis

A maiden similarly cursed, who meets Hilas and loves him platonically until both are cured.

## Key lines

> Thus it is, Madam, that you have been spoil'd by romances. In them you have seen heroes respectuous, and princesses virtuous even to folly; without reflecting that those Beings never existed but in the brains of authors.

Mangogul tells Mirzoza that her idealistic view of love comes from reading too many novels, which portray unrealistic heroes and heroines.

_Mangogul critiques romantic literature as a source of false ideals._

> No, madam, I have complete proofs, that without a well organised body, there is no love.

Selim asserts that physical attributes are essential for love to exist.

_Selim's statement underscores the chapter's cynical view of love._

> They both convinced each other beyond all doubt, that they were two objects of the celestial wrath. Their common misfortune united them.

Hilas and Iphis realize they share the same curse, and their shared plight brings them together.

_The union of Hilas and Iphis is based on mutual defect rather than ideal affection._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/l-platonic-love
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters