Page "Persian Letters" Paragraph 12

In Paris, the Persians express themselves on a wide variety of subjects, from governmental institutions to salon caricatures.

The difference of temperament of the two friends is notable, Usbek being more experienced and asking many questions, Rica less implicated and more free, and more attracted by Parisian life.

Although this takes place in the declining years of the aged king, much of what he has accomplished is still admired in a Paris where the Invalides is being completed and cafés and theatre proliferate.

We observe the function of parliaments, tribunals, religious bodies ( Capuchins, Jesuits, etc.

), public places and their publics ( the Tuileries, the Palais Royal ), state foundations ( the hospital of the Quinze-Vingts for the blind, the Invalides for those wounded in war ).

They describe a thriving culture, where even the presence of two Persians quickly becomes a popular phenomenon, thanks to the proliferation of prints ( letter 28 ).

The café – where debates take place: letter 34 – has become established as a public institution, as were already the theatre and opera.

There are still people foolish enough to search at their own expense for the philosopher's stone ; the newsmonger and the periodical press are beginning to play a role in everyday life.

Everything from institutions ( the university, the Academy, Sciences, the Bull Unigenitus ) to groups ( fashion, dandies, coquettes ), the opera singer, the old warrior, the rake, and so forth ).