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 is the main topic of letter 34?

2. Who was Zachi found with according to letter 19?

3. Who is Rica dining with in letter 66?

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

5. According to Usbek, why is the city he is in in letter 18 considered great or powerful?

Short Essay Questions

1. In letter 105, what does Usbek think is popular in Europe and who do they cater to?

2. When talking about the habits of Persian princes, why does Usbek feel the need to add "sensible" to his description?

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

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

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

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

7. Why is Pharan complaining in letter 40?

8. What is the debate Rica speaks of in letter 36?

9. What does Usbek request from Rustan in his first letter following his departure?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Usbek writes several times about changes in population and gives examples of different causes. Analyze and discuss the causes of changes in population and conclude which one is more likely. Students should use secondary sources to determine population during the time the book was written to support their essay.

Essay Topic 2

Ubsek discusses the way that religion and government interact and how they may interact in a positive manner. Compare his discussion with common beliefs of the separation of church and state today, then make a conclusion about which argument has more merit.

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 677 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample