# VII: Second Trial of the Ring explained — The Indiscreet Jewels

> Chapter companion for The Indiscreet Jewels by Denis Diderot.

## What happens

At a private supper in Mirzoza's apartment, the ladies discuss the scandal of Alcina's talking Toy. Mangogul secretly uses the ring to make the Toys of all the women (except Mirzoza) speak, revealing their sexual histories in a chaotic chorus.

## Themes in this chapter

### Satire of Court and Society

The private supper and gossip expose the hypocrisy and superficiality of courtly manners.

### Gender and Sexual Politics

The ring forces women's hidden sexual lives into public, highlighting power imbalances.

### Truth vs. Appearance

The contrast between the ladies' composed exteriors and their Toys' revelations underscores the theme.

## Character check-ins

### Mangogul

Sultan who secretly uses the ring to make the ladies' Toys speak.

### Mirzoza

Favorite who hosts the supper and is spared the ring's effect.

### Zelmaida

Lady who insists she heard Alcina's Toy and debates the consequences.

### Monima

Lady whose Toy contradicts her claim of fearlessness.

### Zegris

Courtier who reports the broken match due to a strange voice.

## Key lines

> I am frequented, batter'd, abandon'd, perfum'd, fatigu'd, ill serv'd, disgusted, etc.

The Toys each speak a single word describing their sexual use and neglect.

_Chaotic chorus reveals the women's varied experiences._

> Do not believe her, she lies.

Monima's Toy directly contradicts her claim of being unafraid.

_Illustrates the ring's power to expose truth._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/vii-second-trial-of-the-ring
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters