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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What is the name of the white eunuch that broke the rule in letter 19?

3. Why does the head of the black eunuchs want to made Pharan a eunuch, according to the letter he writes Usbek?

4. What is common in Europe according to Rica?

5. Who weds in letter 51?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the republic result from according to Rica in Letter 125?

2. What is the relationship between the head eunuch and Jaron, the eunuch Usbeck brought with him according to the supplementary letters?

3. Why are the women described by Rica in letter 23 against the Constitution?

4. Why does Usbek think Christians are not good Christians or even citizens in letter 44?

5. What does Usbek encourage the eunuch to do according to letter 1?

6. What happens to the head eunuch in letter 141?

7. Why are the Troglodytes a unique civilization according to Usbek in letters 11 to 14?

8. What does Zelis accuse Usbek of being in supplementary letter 11 and why?

9. What quality does Rica praise in a man according to supplementary letter 7?

10. What happened to Roxanne according to letter 150?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Persian Letters uses satire to describe the travels of two Persian brothers, Usbek and Rica. In an essay, define satire and examine Montesquieu's use of satire in the novel and discuss how it benefits the story and character development.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Montesquieu emphasizes the need for religious tolerance in Persian Letters and equates reason with tolerance. Examine how he addresses religious beliefs, practice, and leadership in the Persian Letters.

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