I don't have an assignment due, but I'm having trouble understanding the themes that are in the Persian Letters by Montesquieu. Has anyone read them? I'm in college. I'm having trouble understanding the Harem sequence, and these themes: lack of self knowledge, satire, exile, and religious intolerance. Does anyone know of examples where these themes are conveyed? Or anything else that might be useful? I'm struggling.

I have not read Montesquieu, so perhaps cannot help, but found this web site that features 61 reviews of the Persian Letters. Maybe there's something there that will help you.

http://www.google.com/search?q=Persian+Letters+by+Montesquieu&oq=Persian+Letters+by+Montesquieu&aqs=chrome..69i57.2308j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=119&ie=UTF-8

and

http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&q=Persian+Letters+by+Montesquieu&btnG=&as_sdt=1%2C44&as_sdtp=

Sorry the link I intended didn't post. These might help:

http://www.studymode.com/essays/Persian-Letters-Troglodyte-And-Harem...

http://www.bookdepository.com/Persian-Letters...Montesquieu/9780192806352

I can definitely help you with understanding the themes in The Persian Letters by Montesquieu. Let's start by discussing each theme you mentioned and then look for examples within the text.

1. Lack of self-knowledge: One of the main themes in The Persian Letters is the idea that many people lack self-awareness or understanding of their own nature. This is exemplified through the various characters in the letters, such as the Persian travelers, who often misinterpret or misunderstand the customs and values of the societies they encounter. One example is when Usbek, one of the Persian travelers, fails to fully comprehend the consequences of his actions, leading to unintended consequences.

2. Satire: Montesquieu uses satire throughout the novel to critique and ridicule various aspects of European society, particularly French society. The satire serves to expose the absurdities and vices present in different social, political, and cultural institutions of the time. For example, the character of Rica mocks the French legal system by pointing out its flaws and corruption.

3. Exile: Exile is another significant theme in The Persian Letters. The Persian travelers, being foreigners in Europe, provide a unique perspective on the societies they encounter. As outsiders, they are often marginalized and viewed with suspicion. This theme is explored through the experiences of the Persian travelers and their observations of the European societies they encounter, as well as their own sense of dislocation and longing for their homeland.

4. Religious intolerance: Montesquieu also addresses the theme of religious intolerance in The Persian Letters. Through various characters and narratives, he presents the conflicts and biases arising from religious differences. For instance, the veil controversy and debates around religious practices in the Harem sequence highlight the tensions and prejudices surrounding the diversity of religious beliefs.

To gain a deeper understanding of these themes and their examples in The Persian Letters, I'd recommend the following steps:
1. Read the text carefully, paying attention to moments where characters demonstrate a lack of self-knowledge, instances of satire, experiences of exile, and instances of religious intolerance.
2. Take notes while reading to record any examples or passages related to these themes.
3. Analyze the characters' actions, speeches, and interactions to identify how these themes are developed and conveyed.
4. Consult secondary sources such as literary critiques, academic articles, or books that provide insights into Montesquieu's work. These sources can provide additional context and analysis on the themes you're exploring.
5. Discuss the text with classmates, join study groups, or reach out to your professor or teaching assistant for further clarification and discussion.

Remember, understanding and interpreting literature can be a subjective process, so it's important to form your own opinion while considering different perspectives and scholarly viewpoints. Good luck with your study of The Persian Letters!