Persian Letters

Usbek is the older and more experienced of the two Persian noblemen who travel through Turkey and Italy to settle in Paris. Although he claims his sole aim in leaving Persia is to gain more knowledge and learning, we understand that his life is in danger as his uncompromising honesty and dignity have made him many enemies.

It is apparent from his communication with Rustan, Mirza, Ibben, and Rhedi that they consider him a mature man of learning and discerning taste. They often ask his opinion on matters of philosophical nature to which he responds thoughtfully, in an educated, polished style, carefully weighing his arguments in support of his opinions. He also holds his friends in high regard, he and shares his innermost thoughts and ideas with them. With Rustan he is especially close, and in letters addressed to him Usbek shows a darker, more depressive side of his character, one prone to bouts of homesickness, nostalgia, and worry over his affairs in Persia, which he has left to others to care for during his nearly nine years of travel. He treats Rica almost as a younger brother, although he is quite hurt by Rica’s apparent insensitivity to his desire to return to Persia.