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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. How does Usbek describe the period of time the people of the society fought with each other?

2. What does the Mullah advise Usbek to refer to to find answers to his questions in letter 17?

3. Why did two men die when the women took a trip to the country?

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

5. What does Usbek order the black eunuch to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Mehemet Ali?

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

3. What does Usbek tell Ibben in letter 95 about the fickleness of fortune?

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

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

6. What does Zelis do to her 7 year old daughter in letter 60?

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

8. What keeps Usbek continually busy according to letter 46?

9. What is Rica surprised about during his dinner with the man who works in law?

10. Who is criticizing Usbek according to Rustan?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Montesquieu uses a foreigner's perspective to present the country of France. Analyze why Montesquieu may have chosen to use correspondence as a way to comment on the society in which he lived. Use several examples to support your discussion.

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 681 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample