The only survivor from a shipwreck drifts onto the shores of the island of Iffe. The survivor happens to be a female monkey named Marie but is identified by the local philosopher, Gallimauf, as a noble Frenchman. Much misunderstanding follows as the learned men of Iffe, as well as the wealthy, start competing for the Frenchman's favours, trying to have educated conversations with the eccentric foreigner or marrying him to the daughter of the island's ruthless Judge. A fascinating fable about the idiocy and cruelty to be found in isolated communities.