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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 are the gravest people according to letter 32?

2. Who does Nargum write about in letter 49?

3. Which of Usbek's wives would still love him even if she was let go from the seraglio?

4. What is common in Europe according to Rica?

5. How long has Usbek been in Paris by the time he sends letter 22?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why did Usbek leave Persia according to letter 8?

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

4. What is the Papal Bull silliness according to Usbek in letter 98?

5. Who is Mehemet Ali?

6. What is Usbek hoping to achieve with the help of the Mullah according to letter 16?

7. What is affluence based on in Paris according to Rica?

8. Why does the head eunuch want Usbek to return home?

9. What does the Mullah suggest Usbek do in his letter?

10. What does Usbek think of countries that allow discipline of children in letter 78?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Persian Letters, the head eunuch writes to Usbek and discusses an arranged marriage or purchasing a woman for Usbek's brother. In an essay, discuss the history of arranged marriage, its potential benefits and drawbacks, as well as why Montesquieu chose to use this in the book. Use examples from the text to support your discussion.

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

The Persian Letters was published anonymously in 1721 in Amsterdam and discussed French life from an outside perspective. In an essay, discuss why Montesquieu chose to publish outside of France and how the book was part of the Enlightenment, which questioned the church's authority. Students may use the book and secondary sources to support their discussion.

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