The Indiscreet Jewels · Chapter
XVIII: The Toyman's Return explained
Frenicol returns with muzzles for the ladies, who protest their size but eventually purchase them.
What happens
Frenicol returns with muzzles for the ladies, who protest their size but eventually purchase them. Zelida and Sophia each acquire muzzles, though Zelida finds hers too small. The secret becomes public, leading to Zelida's retreat to a convent and Sophia's embrace of a scandalous public life.
Themes in this chapter
Satire of Court and Society
The episode mocks the ladies' denial about the size of muzzles and the public scandal that follows, highlighting societal hypocrisy and the consequences of gossip.
Truth vs. Appearance
Zelida and Sophia insist the muzzles are too large, but the truth of their actual size is revealed through private confidences and public rumor, exposing the gap between self-image and reality.
Characters to notice
- Zelida
Protests the size of the muzzles, purchases one, finds it too small, and later becomes inconsolable, quitting her husband and entering a convent.
- Sophia
Indolently measures the muzzles, purchases one, and later throws off the mask, painting and frequenting public places.
- Frenicol
The Toyman who returns with muzzles, sells them to Zelida and Sophia, and later spreads the story of the devouts.
Key passages
“Ah! mercy! cried Zelida. What enormous muzzles are these! And who are the unhappy women, whom these will fit? This is an ell long. Indeed, friend, you must certainly have taken measure by the Sultan's mare.”
Zelida exclaims in shock at the size of the muzzles, sarcastically suggesting they were measured for the Sultan's horse.
Highlights the ladies' exaggerated protest and the satirical tone regarding their denial.
“These circumstances came to light from one of her women, who told them in confidence to her lover, who related them in confidence to others, who spread them all over Banza under the seal of secrecy.”
The secret was leaked by a maid to her lover, and then passed along in supposed confidence until it became common gossip throughout Banza.
Illustrates the ironic spread of 'secret' information in society.