This story is a philosophical, romantic satire, attacking religious mania, the foibles of people in general, the burdens of being virtuous and happiness. Voltaire uses ancient Babylon as his setting, which provides a great contrast to France of the Enlightenment; Babylonians though scientifically and technologically advanced, had a closed culture ruled by an absolute monarch. In brief the story chronicles the adventures of Zadig, a benevolent and charismatic figure who reveres the good and the beautiful. Despite incidental amorous detours, Zadig's love for Queen Astarte glows as a paragon of sublime fidelity to woman.