Zadig — Chapter 3 : résumé

Ce qui se passe

1. Zadig files for divorce from Azora and retreats to a country house, where he develops his powers of observation.
2. He accurately describes the Queen’s missing dog and the King’s runaway horse, while denying that he has seen either.
3. Officials accuse him of theft; finding the animals prevents his harsh sentence, but the judges impose a fine.
4. Zadig explains how tracks and other marks reveal the animals’ features, astonishing the judges and attracting royal attention.
5. The King orders repayment, but court officials retain nearly the entire fine as fees, prompting Zadig to resolve on silence.
6. When Zadig refuses to answer questions about an escaped prisoner, the court fines him again and demands his thanks.

Dans ce chapter

Les points à remarquer

Zadig’s complaint follows punishment for withholding information. It shows that his attempt to avoid trouble through silence fails too.

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