# Twenty-First and Twenty-Second Trials of the Ring explained — The Indiscreet Jewels

> Chapter companion for The Indiscreet Jewels by Denis Diderot.

## What happens

Mangogul reports to Mirzoza that he has tested Fricamona's Toy, which initially remained silent but then revealed her secret passion for Acaris. Mirzoza disputes the validity of the trial, suspecting Fricamona is not truly virtuous. Mangogul then tests Callipiga's Toy, which murmurs ambiguously about Mirolo. Mirzoza insists on a more definitive proof of virtue, and the chapter ends with Selim and Bloculocus arriving to judge the wager in Mirzoza's favor.

## Themes in this chapter

### Truth vs. Appearance

Fricamona's outwardly devout life contrasts with her secret passion revealed by the ring.

### Satire of Court and Society

The wager and trials satirize courtly games of virtue and reputation.

### Gender and Sexual Politics

The ring exposes hidden female desires, challenging societal norms of female chastity.

## Character check-ins

### Mangogul

Tests Fricamona's and Callipiga's Toys with the ring, reports results to Mirzoza.

### Mirzoza

Debates the validity of the trials, insists on a clearer proof of virtue.

### Fricamona

Her Toy initially silent but then reveals her secret love for Acaris.

### Acaris

Mentioned as the object of Fricamona's secret passion.

### Mirolo

Mentioned as Callipiga's lover; his mistress's Toy is tested.

### Selim

Arrives with Bloculocus to judge the wager.

### Bloculocus

Arrives with Selim to judge the wager.

## Key lines

> Victory, victory! cried he. You triumph, madam; the castle, the porcelains, and the little Sapajou are yours.

Mangogul exclaims that he has won the wager for Mirzoza.

_Mangogul announces his apparent success in testing Fricamona._

> Dear Acaris, cried she, how happy am I in those moments, which I snatch from everything that employs me, to deliver myself up to thee.

Fricamona's Toy reveals her secret longing for Acaris.

_The ring exposes Fricamona's hidden passion._

> What do you ask me? I do not comprehend your questions. I am not as much as thought of: and yet I fancy I am as good as another.

Callipiga's Toy murmurs indistinctly, hinting at neglect.

_Callipiga's Toy speaks ambiguously about Mirolo._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxxviii-twenty-first-and-twenty-second-trials-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