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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 Nargum write about in letter 49?

2. What did Usbek's wife do as a form of amusement in his absence?

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

4. What profession does one of the men Usbek meet claim to have in letter 46?

5. How much punishment should a government apply to the people in order to make them respect the law according to Usbek?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is criticizing Usbek according to Rustan?

2. Why does Usbek consider Smyrna powerful in letter 18?

3. Who is Mehemet Ali?

4. Who does Usbek leave in charge of his home in Ispahan before leaving?

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

6. What did the Troglodytes do after fighting their neighbors off?

7. Who is forced to leave France and why according to Rica?

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

9. What does Rica write to the Jewish doctor in letter 136?

10. Who is the only wife that behaves in the seraglio?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Persian Letters, there is a strong emphasis on the formation of character, whether through religion or learning. In an essay, analyze the correlation made between the study of science and the destruction of man, giving examples of how learning, particularly the study of science might harm man.

Essay Topic 2

In Persian Letters, Montesquieu examines the importance of ritual and the pacification of the gods. In an essay, discuss what rituals may be intended to pacify the gods and why they are important to Muslims or those in other religions. Students should use quotes from the book and a secondary source to support their discussion and make sure they define ritual in their essay.

Essay Topic 3

Montesquieu uses personification in his description of justice. In an essay, define personification and analyze why Montesquieu uses personification to write about justice. Students should use examples from the book to support their discussion.

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