The Indiscreet Jewels · Chapter
XIII: Of the Opera at Banza explained
At the opera in Banza, the rival musicians Utmiutsol and Utremifasolasiututut are compared.
What happens
At the opera in Banza, the rival musicians Utmiutsol and Utremifasolasiututut are compared. During a performance attended by Mangogul and Mirzoza, the Sultan uses the ring to silence the actresses while their Toys sing lewd songs, causing chaos. The ring is turned off, the play resumes, and Orcotomus sees his theories confirmed.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Mangogul’s psychological peak occurs when his silent, chagrined astonishment at Cypria’s undeserved fortune an…
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Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Satire of Court and Society
The opera scene and the public's reaction to the ring's effects lampoon the frivolity and hypocrisy of courtly entertainment.
- Truth vs. Appearance
The ring forces the actresses' Toys to reveal their true lewd nature, contrasting public decorum with private reality.
Characters to notice
- Mangogul
Uses the ring on the opera singers, causing their Toys to sing lewdly.
- Mirzoza
Attends the opera with Mangogul; yawns during a long chorus.
- Orcotomus
Triumphs as the event confirms his theory that Toys would sing.
- Utmiutsol
An older celebrated musician at the Banza opera, compared to his rival.
- Utremifasolasiututut
A young celebrated musician at the Banza opera, rival to Utmiutsol.
Key passages
“Thirty women were struck dumb on a sudden. Their mouths were wide open, and they kept the same theatrical attitudes they held before. And at the same time their Toys made their throats sore with the violence of singing...”
The actresses were silenced while their Toys sang loudly and lewdly, creating a chaotic spectacle.
Describes the comical and scandalous effect of the ring on the opera performers.
