Persian Letters

How are kings, sultans, the pope, and mullahs depicted and observed in the letters? Since they represent figures of authority and rule, what are the differences and similarities between them, and how do they govern their citizens or their thoughts?

On several occasions, Montesquieu compares Catholics and Protestants, as well as their ideas and teachings. What was the relation between the Catholic Church and Protestants? How do the main characters depict them, and which church, in your opinion, holds more progressive and emancipatory elements?

The novel’s main characters are Muslim. What is their attitude toward their religion, and how do they express it throughout the novel? Provide and analyze textual examples.

The characters discuss the question of fashion in several instances. What elements constitute the fashion of a society, according to Montesquieu?

Consider the writings of Usbek and Rica and the eunuchs. Using quoted examples, compare their stances toward the human body and physical pleasure or hedonistic behavior.

The novel addresses the issue of suicide. Discuss Montesquieu’s stance on suicide by analyzing the different perspectives he uses to explore the issue. Discuss the historical context as well.

“You are afraid, you say, that someone may invent a means of destruction crueller than what is currently in use. No; if such a fatal invention were discovered it would soon be prohibited by international public law, and the nations would unanimously agree to bury this discovery” (142). Analyze this quote comparing Usbek’s thoughts on weapons of mass destruction with the context of today’s political climate.

Do you agree with the way Usbek tries to solve the various crises in his seraglio? What is his reasoning? What would you do differently in such a situation?