Zadig ou la Destinée (“Zadig, or The Book of Fate”) (1747) is a famous novel and work of philosophical fiction written by Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire. It tells the story of Zadig, a philosopher in ancient Babylonia. The author does not attempt any historical accuracy, and some of the problems Zadig faces are thinly disguised references to social and political problems of Voltaire’s own day.
The book makes use of the Persian tale The Three Princes of Serendip. It is philosophical in nature, and presents human life as in the hands of a destiny beyond human control. It is a story of religious and metaphysical orthodoxy, both of which Voltaire challenges with his presentation of the moral revolution taking place in Zadig himself. Voltaire’s skillful use of the literary devices of contradiction and juxtaposition are shown in beautiful form in this prose. It is one of his most celebrated works after Candide.
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CHARACTERS in “Zadig” –
Zadig — the protagonist, a Babylonian philosopher
Sémire — Zadig’s original love interest
Orcan — Zadig’s rival for Sémire
Azora — Zadig’s second love interest
Cador — Zadig’s confidant and faithful friend
Moabdar — King of Babylon
Astarté — Queen of Babylon, Zadig’s final love interest
Sétoc — Zadig’s master as slave
Almona — a widow
Arbogad — a brigand
Jesrad — an angel who disguises himself as a hermit. This character is directly inspired from a mysterious character referred to in the Quran, in Sura “The Cave” (Al-Kahf), v. 60-82. Known as Al-Khadir (meaning “The Green One”), he appears as a wise man holding great knowledge of the unknown and who Moses is going to follow through a journey.
Chapter listing and length:
00 — Frontmatter — 00:05:19
Read by: Carl Manchester
01 — The Blind Eye — 00:09:33
Read by: Carl Manchester
02 — The Nose — 00:06:07
Read by: Carl Manchester
03 — The Dog And The Horse — 00:13:18
Read by: Lucy Burgoyne
04 — The Envious Man — 00:13:18
Read by: Lucy Burgoyne
05 — The Force of Generosity — 00:06:34
Read by: Nicholas James Bridgewater
06 — The Judgments — 00:09:48
Read by: Philippa Willitts
07 — The Force of Jealousy — 00:13:48
Read by: Nicholas James Bridgewater
08 — The Thrash’d Wife — 00:09:17
Read by: Nicholas James Bridgewater
09 — The Captive — 00:09:20
Read by: Ezwa
10 — The Funeral Pile — 00:07:36
Read by: Arouet
11 — The Evening’s Entertainment — 00:12:06
Read by: Andy
12 — The Rendezvous — 00:12:55
Read by: Alan Clare
13 — The Free-Booter — 00:10:59
Read by: Andy
14 — The Fisherman — 00:11:04
Read by: Andy
15 — The Basilisk — 00:30:58
Read by: Alan Clare
16 — The Tournaments — 00:14:30
Read by: Michelle White
17 — The Hermit — 00:18:54
Read by: Ted Delorme
18 — The Aenigmas or Riddles — 00:11:36
Read by: Carl Manchester
Total running time: 3:47:00
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