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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Rhedi think Muslims are blessed?

2. Whose death is reported to Usbek in letter 141?

3. What answer does Usbek give to the central question of letter 114?

4. What does Usbek think of the rituals intended to pacify the gods?

5. What is Rica writing about in letter 106?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

In the Persian Letters, Usbek writes about many contradictions in Christian thought, particularly between how Christians believe chastity and married life are both holy. In an essay, students should give reasoning for the Christian way of thinking, using the book and other sources to refute Usbek's argument.

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