Persian Letters

Rica writes to Usbek about “a universal pronouncer” (100)—a man with a ready opinion on anything. He then writes to *** about a “tribunal called the French Academy” (100). He perceives its members’ purpose to be “to babble incessantly” (100). Again to Usbek, he muses on the feigned, insulting superiority of the crass in French society.

Usbek informs Rhedi of the hypocritical nature of Christians and their religion, which is “subject of disputation” rather than “sanctification” (102). He writes to Ibben on suicide in Christianity: The dead are “dragged ignominiously through the streets” (103)—laws he considers “most unjust” (103) and wonders if, in certain cases like illness, suicide should be allowed. He argues that men “are nothing but a delicate, tiny atom” (104) in the universe, so the decision to end one’s life should not carry such a criminal burden. Ibben’s reply considers the duality of body and soul and how it can be governed.

Rica sends to Usbek a Frenchman’s letter on Spaniards and the Portuguese, who loathe French people. He sharply satirizes the customs of the two nations, saying of the men: “First and foremost they are pious, and secondly, jealous” (106).