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| Author | Denis Diderot |
|---|---|
| Original title | Les Bijoux indiscrets |
| Language | French |
Publication date | 1748 |
| Publication place | France |
The Indiscreet Jewels (orThe Indiscreet Toys, orThe Talking Jewels;French:Les Bijoux indiscrets) is the first novel byDenis Diderot, published anonymously in 1748. It is an allegory that portraysLouis XV as Mangogul, Sultan of Congo, who owns a magic ring that makes women'svaginas ("jewels") talk. The character of Mirzoza represents Louis XV's mistressMadame de Pompadour.[1] Diderot portrayed Pompadour in a flattering light inThe Indiscreet Jewels, most likely to ensure her support for hisEncyclopedie.[2]
Sultan Mangogul of Congo is bored with life at court and suspects his mistress Mirzoza of infidelity. Agenie presents him with a magical ring that has unique properties. When the ring is rubbed and pointed at the vagina of any woman the vagina begins speaking about its amorous experiences, to the confusion and consternation of its owner.[3][4][note 1] The Sultan uses the ring about thirty times, usually at a dinner or other social gathering, and on these occasions the Sultan is typically visible to the woman.[5][6] However, since the ring has the additional property of making its owner invisible when required, a few of the sexual experiences are recounted through direct observation, as the Sultan makes himself invisible in the unsuspecting woman's boudoir.[5]
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