The Indiscreet Jewels · Chapter
Twenty-Eighth Trial of the Ring explained
Mangogul recounts to Mirzoza and Selim the story of Olympia, who bargained with Selim to keep her lover Gabalis from departing with the army.
What happens
Mangogul recounts to Mirzoza and Selim the story of Olympia, who bargained with Selim to keep her lover Gabalis from departing with the army. The trial of the ring reveals that Egle, whom Mirzoza had trusted, is not virtuous, leading to Mirzoza's embarrassment and her struggle to name another woman she believes is virtuous.
Themes in this chapter
Truth vs. Appearance
The ring exposes the hidden truths behind women's reputations, challenging Mirzoza's assumptions about Egle's virtue.
Gender and Sexual Politics
The power dynamics between Selim and Olympia, and the commodification of women's bodies in exchange for favors, highlight gender-based manipulation.
Satire of Court and Society
The chapter satirizes courtly intrigue, the hypocrisy of virtuous reputations, and the superficiality of social judgments.
Characters to notice
- Mangogul
Relates the story of Olympia and Selim, and reveals Egle's lack of virtue.
- Mirzoza
Expresses confidence in Egle's virtue, but is shocked to learn of her failure; struggles to name another virtuous woman.
- Selim
Recounts his past adventure with Olympia, and later suggests testing Zaide.
- Olympia
Wife of the chief cashier of Hasna; bargains with Selim to keep her lover Gabalis.
- Egle
Mentioned as a woman Mirzoza believed virtuous, but the ring reveals she is not.
- Celebi
His ill humor contributed to Egle's failure.
- Zaide
Suggested by Selim as a possible subject for the ring's trial.
- Arsinoe
Mentioned as a prude who spared Zaide's reputation.
Key passages
“Rejoice, madam, says Mangogul, coming in to the favorite’s apartment. I bring you an agreeable piece of news. The Toys are a parcel of little fools, who know not what they say. Cucufa’s ring can indeed make them speak, but not extort the truth from them.”
Mangogul tells Mirzoza that the ring does not always reveal the truth, as the Toys are foolish and unreliable.
Mangogul introduces the idea that the ring's revelations may be deceptive.
“Olympia, wife of the chief cashier of Hasna, had coiffed herself with a young officer, captain in Selim’s regiment.”
Olympia, married to the chief cashier, was involved with a young captain named Gabalis.
Sets up the story of Olympia's affair and her negotiation with Selim.
“Egle, the virtuous Egle, has at length given herself the lie, says the favorite in a surprise; indeed I cannot recover myself.”
Mirzoza is shocked to learn that Egle, whom she believed virtuous, has been exposed by the ring.
Highlights Mirzoza's disillusionment and the theme of appearance versus reality.