Novel in letter form by Montesquieu, published anonymously in 1721. It was an immense success, and attracted official disapproval. There are 161 letters by many writers, the most important being two Persians, the serious-minded Usbek and the more light-hearted Rica, who go to France on an extended visit. The essence of the work is the contrast of cultures, embodied in the exclamation: ‘Comment peut-on être Persan?’ The Orient is seen as a place of traditional order and oppression, whereas France is free, changing, and frequently ridiculous. The outsider's gaze allows Montesquieu to satirize many aspects of his society—politics, religion, salon conversation—in the years before and after the death of Louis XIV. At the same time, we see the Persians adopting many of his cherished values, and the letters contain serious discussions of such topics as natural justice, political economy, and demography. There is an ironic contrast between Usbek's progressive enlightenment and his unsuccessful attempt to maintain despotic control over his harem in Persia; throughout the novel we see tension mounting among his wives, slaves, and eunuchs, and it ends bloodily with the defiant suicide of his favourite wife, Roxane.
[Peter France]
