Persian Letters

Reread the letters written by Persian women and look at the language, style, and topics. Is there a difference in the way Montesquieu portrays Persian women and the French women described in other letters? Analyze and discuss.

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?