Zadig - Voltaire
Summary Zadig, or The Book of Fate: An Oriental History is a philosophical tale by Voltaire, following the trials and tribulations of the ...
Summary
Zadig, or The Book of Fate: An Oriental History is a philosophical tale by Voltaire, following the trials and tribulations of the virtuous and intelligent Babylonian philosopher, Zadig. Despite his wisdom, good intentions, and constant pursuit of happiness, Zadig repeatedly encounters misfortune, injustice, envy, and betrayal. He is falsely accused, loses loved ones, is forced to flee his home, and is repeatedly confronted with the arbitrary nature of fate and human folly. His journey takes him through various lands and social strata, from vizier to slave, always questioning the meaning of suffering and the justice of divine providence. The narrative culminates in an encounter with an angel, Jesrad, who reveals that seemingly random and evil events are part of a larger, incomprehensible divine plan. Zadig eventually returns to Babylon, reclaims his love and position, and becomes a wise and just king, applying the hard-won lessons of his extraordinary life.
Book Sections
Section 1: The Blind Man
Zadig, a young, wealthy, handsome, and virtuous Babylonian, seeks happiness. He decides to marry Semira, a beautiful woman whose family also possesses considerable wealth. He believes that by finding a woman who is not too intelligent or too foolish, he can ensure his tranquility. However, his attempt to save Semira from brigands results in him losing an eye. Semira, driven by vanity and superficiality, rejects him, stating she cannot marry a one-eyed man, and instead marries Orcan, who was a rival to Zadig. Zadig, reflecting on the vanity and superficiality of the world, decides to seek wisdom through study.
| Character | Characteristics | Motivations |
|---|---|---|
| Zadig | Young, wealthy, handsome, intelligent, virtuous, philosophical, initially somewhat naive. | Seeks happiness, tranquility, and love; later seeks wisdom and justice. |
| Semira | Beautiful, superficial, vain. | Seeks social standing and physical perfection in a husband. |
| **Orcan | Rival of Zadig for Semira's hand, equally superficial. | Seeks Semira for her beauty and wealth. |
Section 2: The Nose
Disillusioned, Zadig falls in love with Azora, a woman who appears intelligent and virtuous. He tests her by posing a moral dilemma: whether a woman should cut off her nose to spite a suitor who loves her nose. Azora vehemently condemns such an act. However, soon after, a rumor spread by Zadig's friend Cador leads Azora's aunt, Confucius, to believe Azora had an affair with a priest. Despite Zadig's efforts to defend her, Azora leaves him, preferring another man. Zadig once again finds himself abandoned and resolves to dedicate himself entirely to philosophical pursuits, recognizing the inconsistencies and absurdities of human nature.
| Character | Characteristics | Motivations |
|---|---|---|
| Azora | Initially appears virtuous and intelligent, but easily swayed by gossip and societal pressure. | Seeks a partner who aligns with her perceived moral standing; values reputation. |
| Cador | Zadig's friend, but acts with questionable loyalty or judgment. | Unclear, possibly mischievous or envious, spreads rumors. |
| Confucius | Azora's aunt, represents rigid moral judgment and adherence to gossip. | Upholds societal norms and morality, even when based on rumor. |
Section 3: The Dog and the Horse
While meditating by a stream, Zadig accurately deduces the appearance and recent activities of the King's lost dog and the Queen's lost horse, based solely on tracks and other subtle clues (e.g., the dog was female, had long ears, limped; the horse was a fine Arabian, had a gold bridle, and had thrown its rider). He is overheard and subsequently arrested, accused of sorcery by the chief eunuch and the court's magicians, who cannot comprehend his deductive reasoning. He is brought before a tribunal of ignorant judges and nearly executed, but is pardoned when the King's dog and Queen's horse are found exactly as Zadig described. This incident reveals the danger of superior intellect in a world ruled by ignorance and envy.
| Character | Characteristics | Motivations |
|---|---|---|
| King Moabdar | Ruler of Babylon, initially influenced by fear and superstition, later recognizes Zadig's wisdom. | Maintains order and his royal authority; desires his lost animals back. |
| Queen Astarte | Queen of Babylon. | Desires her lost horse back. |
| First Chief Eunuch, Magicians, Priests, Judges | Represent ignorance, superstition, corruption, and rigid adherence to dogma. | Maintain their power and authority by suppressing perceived threats or anything they don't understand. |
Section 4: The Envious Man
Zadig's wisdom and honesty become widely recognized. King Moabdar appoints him as his chief vizier. Zadig brings justice and prosperity to Babylon, resolving disputes fairly and improving public welfare. However, his success makes him the target of envy, especially from Arimaze, a man driven by malice. Arimaze tries to frame Zadig by planting a satirical poem critical of the King and Queen in Zadig's writing box. Zadig cleverly exposes Arimaze's plot, gaining further favor with the King.
| Character | Characteristics | Motivations |
|---|---|---|
| Arimaze | Envious, malicious, scheming courtier. | Driven by jealousy of Zadig's success and popularity, seeks to discredit and harm him. |
Section 5: The Minister
As vizier, Zadig's administrative reforms and just rulings continue to benefit Babylon. He is beloved by the people and admired by the court, including Queen Astarte, who develops a deep respect and affection for him. His fame and influence grow, further intensifying the jealousy and resentment of his rivals, who seek any opportunity to bring him down.
Section 6: The Basilic
Arimaze, the envious man, does not give up. He attempts another plot against Zadig, knowing of the king's superstition. Arimaze claims to possess a "basilisk," a mythical deadly creature, and plans to place a common bird in Zadig's chamber to frame him for a supposed magical offense. Zadig, once again, outsmarts Arimaze, exposing his trickery and confirming his own innocence and wisdom, much to the king's delight.
Section 7: The Disputes and the Audiences
Zadig continues to demonstrate his wisdom by resolving complex theological disputes between various religious factions (Egyptian, Indian, Chinese priests). He does so by appealing to common sense, emphasizing universal morals, and downplaying dogmatic differences, rather than taking sides. While this earns him praise from the sensible, it further alienates the powerful religious leaders who thrive on division and dogma, adding to the list of his enemies.
Section 8: Jealousy
The increasing affection between Zadig and Queen Astarte, though platonic, does not escape the notice of the envious courtiers. They subtly sow seeds of suspicion in King Moabdar's mind, feeding his jealousy. Astarte, sensing the danger to both Zadig and herself, warns him. To protect the Queen and avoid the King's wrath, Zadig decides to flee Babylon in secret.
Section 9: The Woman Flogged
Zadig, disguised as a merchant, travels to Egypt. He encounters a woman, Missouf, about to be flogged by her jealous husband, Orosmane, for an innocent act: smelling a flower handed to her by a passing man. Zadig intervenes, saves Missouf, and defeats Orosmane's men in a fight. He reflects on the different customs and injustices he encounters in his travels, finding human folly and cruelty present everywhere.
| Character | Characteristics | Motivations |
|---|---|---|
| Missouf | An Egyptian woman, innocent victim of her husband's extreme jealousy. | Accused of impropriety, seeks justice or escape from her husband's tyranny. |
| Orosmane | Missouf's husband, excessively jealous and cruel. | Driven by possessiveness and a desire to enforce strict obedience from his wife. |
Section 10: The Supper
Zadig is captured by Arabs who follow the teachings of a dogmatic sect. He is sentenced to be burned alive for impiety because he refused to eat a grilled griffin at a feast, stating that griffins do not exist in nature. He is saved at the last moment by a wise hermit who recognizes Zadig's intelligence and convinces the Arabs that his scientific knowledge is not an affront to their beliefs, but rather a different form of wisdom. This experience highlights the dangers of ignorance and rigid religious dogma.
| Character | Characteristics | Motivations |
|---|---|---|
| Arabs | Represent dogmatic religious zealots who prioritize literal interpretations over reason. | Enforce their religious laws and punish perceived impiety. |
| Hermit | A wise, discerning old man, later revealed to be an angel. | Seeks to protect the innocent and guide those worthy of enlightenment. |
Section 11: The Robber
Zadig travels with the wise hermit from the previous chapter. They come across a group mourning a stolen fortune. Zadig, using his exceptional deductive skills, helps the hermit identify the thief. However, the hermit then reveals himself to be Itobad, a notorious brigand, who has only used Zadig to recover his own stolen loot. Itobad tricks Zadig, robs him of his remaining possessions, and leaves him stranded. This chapter underscores the pervasive nature of deceit and injustice, even from those who appear virtuous.
| Character | Characteristics | Motivations |
|---|---|---|
| Itobad | A cunning and deceptive brigand, masquerades as a wise hermit. | Self-interest, material gain through trickery and robbery. |
Section 12: The Fisherman
Destitute and despairing, Zadig encounters a fisherman who is equally miserable, lamenting his misfortunes. Zadig consoles him and recounts his own extraordinary tale, revealing his true identity. The fisherman, recognizing Zadig's wisdom and virtue, helps him by offering shelter and what little he has. Zadig learns from the fisherman that King Moabdar of Babylon has died and that Queen Astarte is imprisoned.
| Character | Characteristics | Motivations |
|---|---|---|
| Fisherman | A poor, suffering man, represents common humanity and the misfortunes of life. | Seeks solace and relief from his troubles; shows compassion for Zadig. |
Section 13: The Brigands
Zadig, determined to find Astarte, continues his journey. He comes across a group of brigands attacking a caravan of slaves. Zadig heroically fights them off, saving the slaves. Among them, he finds a woman who was Astarte's maid. From her, he learns that Astarte is alive but has been sold into slavery and is currently in the hands of Setoc, a wealthy Arab merchant.
Section 14: The Slave
Zadig enters Setoc's service as a slave, quickly demonstrating his remarkable intellect and integrity. He helps Setoc prosper, resolves various complex mercantile disputes, and even exposes a dishonest merchant who was trying to cheat Setoc. Impressed by Zadig's wisdom, Setoc makes him his manager. Zadig eventually uses his influence and Setoc's wealth to buy Astarte's freedom. Astarte then recounts her harrowing escape from Babylon after Moabdar's death.
| Character | Characteristics | Motivations |
|---|---|---|
| Setoc | An honest and wise Arab merchant, initially Zadig's master, later his benefactor. | Seeks prosperity and justice; recognizes and values Zadig's wisdom. |
Section 15: The Meeting
Reunited, Zadig and Astarte travel towards Babylon. They encounter a leper, who is revealed to be the former King Moabdar. Stripped of his power and suffering from disease, Moabdar confesses his former jealousy and injustice towards Zadig. He expresses remorse for his actions before dying, offering Zadig a moment of reconciliation and understanding regarding his past suffering.
Section 16: The Brigand
Zadig and Astarte are attacked by a new group of brigands. Zadig bravely fights to protect Astarte but is wounded and captured. Astarte manages to escape. This short chapter emphasizes the continued unpredictability and danger that Zadig faces, even after finding love and a path back home.
Section 17: The Hermit
Zadig, recovering from his wounds and once again alone, meets a wise and mysterious hermit. He accompanies the hermit, witnessing several seemingly cruel and unjust acts: the hermit burns down a magnificent house, drowns a young child, and then beats a kind benefactor. Zadig is horrified and questions the hermit's actions. The hermit, however, reveals the hidden wisdom behind each act: the house would have caused the owner's ruin, the child was destined to murder his aunt, and the benefactor would have committed murder if not provoked. The hermit then reveals himself to be Jesrad, an angel sent by God to teach Zadig about the inscrutable nature of divine providence and that all seemingly evil events serve a greater, benevolent purpose in the grand scheme of the universe.
| Character | Characteristics | Motivations |
|---|---|---|
| Jesrad (Hermit) | An angel disguised as a hermit, acts as a divine teacher and guide. | To reveal the hidden wisdom of divine providence and the limitations of human understanding; to teach Zadig about predestination and the ultimate justice of God's plan. |
Section 18: The Enigmas
Zadig returns to Babylon, where Astarte has reclaimed the throne. To choose a new king and her husband, Astarte has organized a grand competition involving feats of arms and solving difficult enigmas. Zadig, disguised, enters the contest. He successfully solves all the philosophical enigmas, demonstrating his unparalleled wisdom.
Section 19: The Combat
The contest proceeds to the combat phase. Zadig, still disguised, proves himself to be a formidable warrior, defeating several princes who are vying for the throne. However, just as he is about to be declared the victor, Itobad (the brigand who had robbed him earlier) tries to usurp his victory by claiming Zadig's armor and identity. Zadig reveals himself, exposing Itobad's deceit.
Section 20: The Coronation
Zadig is finally recognized by Astarte and the people as the true victor and the rightful heir to the throne. He is crowned King of Babylon and marries Queen Astarte. Zadig rules wisely and justly, implementing the lessons he has learned through his long and arduous journey, bringing peace and prosperity to his kingdom.
Section 21: The Oracle
The story concludes with Zadig as a benevolent and enlightened ruler. He applies the profound wisdom gained from his experiences and the angel Jesrad's teachings to his governance. He understands that while human actions have consequences, there is an overarching divine plan that often transcends human comprehension. Zadig's reign is marked by justice, compassion, and a balance between free will and destiny, leaving Babylon a thriving and happy kingdom.
Literary Genre
- Philosophical tale
- Satirical novella
- Enlightenment literature
- Philosophical fiction
Author Details
Voltaire (born François-Marie Arouet) was a prominent figure of the Enlightenment, a French writer, historian, and philosopher famous for his wit, his attacks on the established Catholic Church, and his advocacy of civil liberties, including freedom of religion and free trade.
- Born: November 21, 1694, Paris, France
- Died: May 30, 1778, Paris, France
- Key Beliefs: A deist who believed in a divine creator but rejected religious dogma, miracles, and the absolute authority of the church. He championed reason, scientific observation, and human progress.
- Influence: His ideas significantly influenced the French and American Revolutions and the development of modern liberal democracy.
- Other Notable Works: Candide, Letters on the English, Dictionnaire philosophique, Mahomet.
Moral of the Story
The central moral of Zadig is a complex exploration of divine providence, fate, and human justice.
- The Inscrutability of Divine Providence: The most profound lesson, imparted by the angel Jesrad, is that human beings cannot fully comprehend the grand design of God's plan. Seemingly unjust or evil events are often part of a larger, benevolent, and ultimately just cosmic order. What appears as arbitrary misfortune from a limited human perspective may be a necessary step in a divine scheme for a greater good.
- The Persistence of Virtue Amidst Adversity: Despite repeated misfortunes, betrayals, and the prevalence of human folly, envy, and injustice, Zadig consistently strives for virtue, wisdom, and justice. The story suggests that one should continue to act virtuously, even when the immediate rewards are not apparent, and even when facing inexplicable suffering.
- Critique of Human Folly and Injustice: Voltaire satirizes human ignorance, superstition, dogmatism, and the corrupt nature of courts and religious institutions. Envy, in particular, is portrayed as a destructive force that constantly undermines human potential and happiness.
- The Search for Happiness: Zadig's journey is a quest for happiness, which he initially seeks in love and tranquility but ultimately finds in wisdom, a deeper understanding of the world's complexities, and the just application of power. True happiness isn't about avoiding suffering, but about finding meaning within it.
Curiosities
- Full Title: The complete title is Zadig, ou la Destinée. Histoire orientale. (Zadig, or The Book of Fate. An Oriental History.) The subtitle highlights the central theme of destiny and its exotic setting.
- Critique of Leibnizian Optimism: Zadig is often seen as Voltaire's preliminary critique of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz's philosophy of "optimism," which posited that "this is the best of all possible worlds." While the angel Jesrad explains that events are part of a divine plan, the profound suffering Zadig endures still questions the nature of this "best" world, a theme Voltaire would later develop more forcefully in his most famous work, Candide.
- Precursor to Detective Fiction: Zadig's famous deductions in "The Dog and the Horse" chapter, where he accurately describes the lost animals based only on their tracks and other subtle environmental clues, is frequently cited as an early precursor to modern detective fiction. His method anticipates the logical reasoning employed by characters like Sherlock Holmes. Voltaire, however, was likely drawing on ancient or medieval folktales involving similar feats of deduction (e.g., "The Three Princes of Serendip").
- Oriental Setting as a Mask: Voltaire chose an exotic, ancient Babylonian setting for Zadig. This allowed him to comment on and satirize contemporary French society, politics, and religious practices without directly naming them, thus somewhat circumventing strict censorship. The "oriental tale" was a popular genre during the Enlightenment for such veiled social critique.
- Initial Publication: The story was first published in 1747 under the title Memnon. Voltaire then revised and expanded it, re-publishing it as Zadig in 1748.
