View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Usbek think of Christians according to letter 44?

2. Who wrote letter 10 to Usbek?

3. What is notable about Venice according to letter 29?

4. What does Rustan write to Usbek about the community's view on Usbek's trip?

5. Who does Usbek write the 44th letter to?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened to the Troglodytes according to Usbek?

2. What problem does the University of Paris face, and what example of the problem does Usbek give?

3. Why did the Troglodytes' neighbors want to rob them of according to Usbek?

4. In letter 93, what does the head eunuch purchase and who does he purchase it from?

5. What is powerless according to Rica in Letter 71 and why?

6. Why does Usbek spare the life of the white eunuch found alone with Zachi?

7. What is justice according to Usbek in letter 81?

8. What irony does Usbek point out to Rhedi in letter 102?

9. What is happening in Usbek's seraglio according to the head eunuch in letter 139?

10. What sentiment does Usbek have about his decision about the guardian of his wives and home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Persian Letters reflects heavily on the treatment of women, especially wives in society during the time the letters were written. Examine the treatment of women and compare it with the treatment of women in society today.

Essay Topic 2

In Persian Letters, the setting is often changing or shifting between the seraglio and locations to which Usbek's group is traveling. Examine the role of the setting and analyze how Montesquieu uses setting to enhance the story line. Students should use the book to support their discussion.

Essay Topic 3

In the Persian Letters, Usbek writes about many contradictions in Christian thought, particularly between how Christians believe chastity and married life are both holy. In an essay, students should give reasoning for the Christian way of thinking, using the book and other sources to refute Usbek's argument.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 672 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample