enlightenment. At the start of the novel, Zaël characterizes himself as a contemplative figure who has long abandoned the frivolities of youth. He is tasked by his master to travel to Ispahan, a bustling city representative of worldly distractions, all while maintaining his vow of silence. His journey takes him through vivid landscapes and encounters various elements of Persian culture. By the time he reaches Ispahan, Zaël grapples with the tension between his quest for inner peace and the sensual temptations surrounding him, ultimately confronting the complexities of love and desire during a significant, transformative encounter with a young woman named Amante. The opening sets the stage for a philosophical exploration against a richly drawn backdrop of the East, engaging readers with its poetic prose and profound insights. (This is an automatically generated summary.)