The Indiscreet Jewels · Chapter
Seventeenth Trial of the Ring explained
During a theatrical performance at the Seraglio, Mangogul uses his ring to expose a woman's hidden passion for the actor Orgogli.
What happens
During a theatrical performance at the Seraglio, Mangogul uses his ring to expose a woman's hidden passion for the actor Orgogli. The Toy reveals her infatuation, causing a scandal. Mangogul later witnesses Eriphila's private encounter with the actor, confirming the ring's revelation. Mirzoza reacts with disgust at the degradation of women, renouncing her good opinion of her sex and vowing to avoid female company for a time.
Themes in this chapter
Satire of Court and Society
The chapter mocks the theatrical world and the debased tastes of the court, where actors are treated as slaves of public opinion and women degrade themselves for buffoons.
Gender and Sexual Politics
Mirzoza's reaction highlights the double standards and perceived moral failings of women, while Eriphila's behavior exemplifies female desire and its social consequences.
Truth vs. Appearance
The ring reveals the true passion hidden behind Eriphila's composed exterior during the play, contrasting public decorum with private reality.
Characters to notice
- Mangogul
Uses the ring to expose Eriphila's infatuation with the actor Orgogli during a play.
- Mirzoza
Expresses disgust at Eriphila's behavior and decides to avoid women for a fortnight.
- Eriphila
The woman whose Toy reveals her passion for the actor Orgogli; later meets him privately.
- Orgogli
The actor who performs in the tragedy and becomes the object of Eriphila's desire.
- Ricaric
Mentioned by Mirzoza as one whose conversation she enjoys.
- Selim
Mentioned by Mirzoza as one whose conversation she enjoys.
- Haria
Referenced by Mirzoza in her lament about women's behavior.
- Salica
Referenced by Mirzoza in her lament about women's behavior.
Key passages
“Of thirty persons which composed the band, there was but one great actor, and two tolerable actresses.”
Out of thirty performers, only one was truly skilled, and two were passable.
Highlights the mediocrity of the theatrical troupe.
“The Kislar Agasi, superintendant of the Sultan’s pleasures, had packed a company of players together, as he could find them; and this was the first representation of a new tragedy at the Seraglio.”
The superintendent of the Sultan's entertainment hastily assembled a troupe of actors for the first performance of a new tragedy in the palace.
Sets the scene for the chapter's theatrical event.
“His ring was instantly levelled at her, and in the midst of most pathetic commendations, a Toy, panting for breath, was heard addressing the player in these terms: “Ah!—Ah!—Pray stop, Orgogli;—you melt me excessively—Ah!—Ah!—There’s no bearing it—””
Mangogul aimed his ring at the woman, and amid her emotional praise, a Toy gasped out, begging the actor to stop because he was overwhelming her.
The ring exposes the woman's hidden passion during the play.
“The author, who was behind the scenes, fearing that this unlucky accident might interrupt the representation of his piece, foamed with rage, and gave the whole race of Toys to Belzebub.”
The playwright, worried the incident would ruin his play, became furious and cursed all Toys.
Shows the author's frustration with the ring's interference.
“Mangogul judging by her looks, that her Toy would willingly play its part in this rehearsal, chose rather to guess at the rest of the scene, than to be present at it.”
Mangogul, seeing Eriphila's expression, suspected her Toy would soon speak again, so he left rather than witness the intimate scene.
Mangogul's discretion in avoiding further exposure.
“Then the women are fallen into the lowest degree of meanness! A comedian, the slave of the public! A buffoon!”
Mirzoza laments that women have sunk to the lowest depths, consorting with a mere actor who is a public servant and a clown.
Mirzoza's harsh judgment of Eriphila's behavior.
