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

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Usbek, what choice do the tax laws leave men to choose between?

2. What does Rica consider himself to be a good example of?

3. Why does Roxane send Usbek letter 150?

4. What does the head slave think will happen to the women in the seraglio when a new woman is brought there?

5. Which one of Usbek's wives behaves as she should be according to letter 143?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 308 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample