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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. In what city does Usbek mention in letter 20?

2. What is Usbek surprised with in Italy?

3. Why does the head of the black eunuchs want to made Pharan a eunuch, according to the letter he writes Usbek?

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

5. How is the Ottoman Empire according to Usbek?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did the Troglodytes do after fighting their neighbors off?

2. How does Usbek see the resolution of the crisis between Persian and Armenians?

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

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

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

6. What quality does Rica praise in a man according to supplementary letter 7?

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

8. Who does Usbek leave in charge of his home in Ispahan before leaving?

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

10. Who is Mehemet Ali?

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

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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