Who writes, and why? What is the relationship between the letter, the act of writing, the act of reading, and visibility? Whose narrative is authoritative? Whose is discounted? Who speaks/writes on another's behalf? Why and when? You might relate the question of power to that of knowledge.
Thinking in a larger context, now, reflect upon the *kind* of power exercised in "narrating" the Other.
Please provide specific page numbers when making reference to the text, and point to at least one particular passage.
After discussions in class, we have established that the nature of letters is that it offers a level of intimacy and secrecy because a writer can write exclusively and specifically to one recipient. Before I go into examples of authoritative writing from the book, it is imperative to explore the idea of authority. Authority is the power to determine and settle any issues. Whether that power is delegated or inherent, the nature of authority is people under that jurisdiction are required to submit and obey. In context with the book, we see that there are figures of authority. Let us focus now on Usbek. Whether he is dealing with his many wives or eunuchs, his authority is honored and complied. For example, when the First Black Eunuch attempted to castrate Pharan, Pharan wrote to Usbek in supplication and plead for his intervention. Pharan writes, "Make your decision such that the effects of your virtue, which is so widely respected, extend to me." (Letter 43, pg 97) It is clear that Pharan understands the position and capability of the word of Usbek. Usbek follows up with the letter to Pharan instructing him to "them" to buy the eunuch that the First Black Eunuch needs. With just Usbek's words, he is able to settle disputes and instructs conduct. I believe that the effectiveness of Usbek's authority is derived from the respectability and power he is viewed. If the First Black Eunuch did not hold Usbek in high esteem, he could easily disregard his wishes and go with his own autonomy. Another quick and similar example is the First Black Eunuch writes to Usbek reporting on the pandemonium going on at the Seraglio between the wives. The authority of the First Black Eunuch is not respected and upheld, therefore the disorder happened. Usbek then writes directly to the wives in a rebuking and correcting nature. The wives respect and desire to honor their husband, so they will comply to the words of Usbek. Usbek writes, "I urge you, then, to change your conduct, and behave in such a way that I shall be able to reject, another time, the sugestions which have been put to me." (Letter 65, pg 133).
ReplyDeleteOne interesting point that I noticed regarding the letter and power- there is not only power in being able to send a letter, but also power in the absence of sending them. We have mentioned before Usbek exercising power over his wives in his letters to them (or the eunuchs), but at the same time, his seraglio is able to dominate Usbek through absence of news. We see in Letter 154 that Usbek is noticeably shaken from worry as he desperately waits for a letter from home (p275).
ReplyDeleteBut on a more general note… I would say that there are basically two sorts of letters that appear in _Persian Letters_: those that mainly just carry records of news and happenings, and those based primarily in philosophy. While any character is free to write bearing news, it seems only select “qualified” individuals are allowed to write in more profound reflection. Among these few are Usbek, Rica, and Rhedi- the notably the same individuals we perceive to be on a “quest for knowledge.” Their pursuit of knowledge gives them power, in that they are easily able to draw up the thoughts of others and judge them as they see fit. For example, Usbek includes on page 266 the unfortunate story of a scientist, allowing the man’s thoughts to be expressed for the reader to consider, but immediately Usbek follows them up with his own thoughts on the subject. We see the details and true nature of the world around him through Usbek’s eyes, giving him the power to determine this world for us. We have few other opinions by which to judge.
A letter only contains so much information, and the circumstances and limits of that information are the essence of the letter's power. Eunuchs, locked-up wives, slaves, noblemen, and everyone in between can write letters, but the credibility of one's letter depends on who is receiving the letter. Usbek, for example, will trust his chief eunuch over his wives, especially when it comes to matters at the seraglio, but the same may not be true for another letter receiver. Since letters are the only form of communication, the person writing the letter has the power to decide what information gets transmitted. The subjective becomes the objective, and that information is then considered "the truth" by the receiver.
ReplyDeleteGiven the power associated with writing a letter, letter writers are likely to be bribed in order to change "the truth" in favor of others. Narsit, for example, writes to Usbek that "You may be sure that nothing happens here that would be offensive to your eyes," (L153, pg. 274) even though it's a complete lie. Despite the letter's falsity, had Narsit had Usbek's trust and none of the other eunuchs' letter arrived, this lie would have been accurate information in Usbek's eyes.
The absence of news, as Kelly discusses, is also key in the letter power struggle. If the eunuchs had mentioned some of the wives' disobedience but not Roxana's, for example, her fate might have been different. Lack of information means the letter's receiver has to rely on old information to fill in missing gaps, which may or may not be up to date. By selectively choosing which information to include and which to exclude, the writer shapes the knowledge (and by extension, the actions) of the reader.
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ReplyDeleteI noticed one interesting trait of authority: it can be transmitted through letters, more specifically, languages and words. For example, in Letter 53(p116), Zelis asked Usbek’s permission to a couple’s wedding. She writes, “Give me your orders on the matter, and let me know if you wish the marriage to take place in seraglio. Farewell.” Also, in Letter 64(p131), the chief black eunuch asks Usbek to empower him so that he can rule those wives according to Usbek’s wish: “Do you wish me to disclose the cause, magnificent lord, of all this disorder?”
ReplyDeleteThe two examples show that authority can be passed from one person to another. But the interesting part is that the authority later one gets is only a temporary and specific one. The plea should be absolute clear about a specific matter and once the matter is done, the passed authority will no longer remain valid.
That is to say, after Zelis hold wedding for the couple, she cannot hold wedding to another couple. If she wants to do so, she has to ask one more time for Usbek’s new authority. However, clever as the chief black eunuch is, he makes the plea more general (p131), “I would soon shape them to the yoke that they have to bear, and wear down their willful and imperious temperament.” This description can be interpreted differently. For instance, what’s the “yoke” mean? Does that mean the wives should always listen to the chief black eunuch? And what does willful mean? If a wife needs immediate help so she renders a plea, can that be willful too?
In short, I find languages and words play an important role in the creation, transmission and death of authority. And in letters, it is easier for us to trace all these processes since all of the intentions are written down. Then rhetoric becomes more important as a tool to get or prolong authority.
Sorry that today my feedback may not be so well-organized because I got a serious cold this weekend.
The letters are mediums by which information is communicated. Most of the letters we read are often passive, describing experiences or thoughts pertaining to society. As the letters demonstrate an accumulation of knowledge, they signify empowerment in the sense that the authors – Usbek primarily – judge the worth of others based on their virtue. For example, Usbek voices his disapproval of womanizers (L48), which suggests him feeling morally superior. Again, he expresses his aversion to vanity (L144), criticizing the man who construes his opinions as fact. In these instances, Usbek’s power is one-sided. His feelings apply only to him and not to the people whom he judges.
ReplyDeleteThe very nature of a letter is significant in relation to power. When one writes a letter, one intends for his/her thoughts to be conveyed to a specific audience. This brings us to the second kind of letter, the active. The Chief Eunuch’s interception of a letter to the one of the wives of the seraglio (L147) shows just how intimate a letter can be – and also demonstrates the struggle of power between the wives and the eunuchs. This struggle is better conveyed when the First Eunuch states that, “Not that I in turn do not have an infinite number of vexations since these vindictive women spend every day trying to do better than I in creating irritation.” (L9, 51) The First Eunuch’s letters in which he describes the unruliness of the seraglio (L147) are attempts to persuade Usbek to grant him unlimited authority; this draws up the point that the letters can be tools of persuasion, instruments by which power is granted. However, the power exercised between letters is diminished by the fact that the sender is far, far away. Letters can be unreliable, as demonstrated by Narsit’s decision not to read Usbek’s decree of punishment (L149). Additionally, the weight of the letter is diminished by the distance of the writer, which is observed when Usbek’s wife Zelis asserts her independence, despite her being shut-in. She states, “Although you keep me imprisoned I am freer than you. Even if you were to pay twice as much attention to guarding me, I should simply take pleasure in your disquiet…” (L62, 129) In this way, a letter is inconvenient for travelers such as Usbek because he has no clear idea what it truly occurring at home, and can only base his decisions on what he feels is right.
I agree strongly with Kelly's comments on the power of the absence of sending a letter. It is important to understand that letters can be easily ignored. The only way we can ensure that someone we have disagreements with replies to a letter is by ensuring that there are consequences to not responding. Because of Usbek's position of authority as head of the household any Servant, Eunuch or wife is inclined to respond to his letters promptly. The distance weakens Usbek's power over them however. In letter 149, Narsit avoids opening Usbek's letter to the dead Chief Black Eunuch in order to prolong the period in which Usbek has no control over his Seraglio. He smartly writed to Usbek requesting permission to open it feigning "respect" for his master. All Usbek can do in response is scold Narsit, calling him a "wretched creature." Usbek's orders are futher delayed when they are suspiciously "intercepted 3 leagues away" (273) from their destination. Then the servant is supposedly robbed, "and the letter is lost"(274). These events seem very convenient. By avoiding Usbek's letters and cutting off his communication, Narsit is able to cut off Usbek's control over the Seraglio.
ReplyDeleteNot all of Usbek's letters are heeded. When Usbek writes to the Mulla Mohammed Ali in Letter16, he receives no response. He must send a second letter before he receives a response. Ali then responds, clearly peeved at receiving Usbke's pestering questions. He speaks down to him and asks, "Why not read the Traditions of the Theologians?" (64) rather than bothering him. Clearly Usbek's writing is discounted in this situation.
Get well soon, Rossanna
People write to Usbek in order to advance their own agendas. For example, in the beginning of the story, several of Usbek’s wives write to Usbek to strengthen Usbek’s trust in them. The wives want Usbek’s trust so they will not be punished.
ReplyDeleteDespite the seriousness of their letters, the faithfulness of the wives could not last forever as seen near the end of the story. Because the letters only describe the writer’s feelings (which are subject to change) at a certain time, the information provided by the letters is very limited. It is said that knowledge is power and from this one can infer that limited knowledge is limited power. Usbek only has limited power over his home from far away.
Usbek authoritatively writes letters back home to keep his wives under control. As mentioned by XiXi, Narsit unsuccessfully attempts to cool Usbek’s anger in letter 152 (274). Although Usbek is in power, the distance between him and his readers greatly restrains his power as mentioned by the first Eunich in letter 96 when he demands for Usbek’s presence (180). This demand hints at minor problems that could be resolved by Usbek’s presence. Usbek’s ignorance of the letter foreshadows future problems due to Usbek’s absence. Near the end of the story, the chief Eunich notifies Usbek of his wives disobedience. Usbek immediately tries to exercise his authority by writing letters. Although Usbek is in the position of power, some of his letters are discounted as Nicky observed when he noted that Narsit did not read one of Usbek’s letters. The limits on Usbek’s powers eventually cause all his wives to rebel and disregard his rules.
There is direct correlation between the written word and the idea of authority. The person writing a letter cannot only express his ideas on a subject but he is also able to implement his powers. The Persian letters are made up of two different types of letters: philosophical ones and authoritative ones. Usbek writes and receives many letters on the differences between worldly politics, religions, and cultures. Him and his friends are able to recount events that have either happened in the passed or are currently taking place. Each writer is able to analyze the events and give his opinion. The other type of letter is associated with the concept of power and authorization. Throughout the journey Usbek is able to monitor his seraglio by sending orders to the First Black Eunuch, who in charge of the seraglio, or the wives. For example in the letter addressed to the first white eunuch (21:69), Usbek expresses his anger towards the eunuch because he was found alone with one of the wives. Or in the letter concerning chaos in the seraglio (65:133), Usbek asks his wives to change their behaviors and obey the Black eunuch. Another example of Usbek’s power through the letters is demonstrated in the letter by Zelis to Usbek (53:115) asking his permission to marry a slave to one of the eunuchs.
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting element connecting letters to the idea of power, is the ability of the writer to distort the truth or only mentioning parts of the truth. This in return, gives the reader, who is only given a limited amount of information, the power to interpret the letters as he wishes. The two opposing (41:96,42:97) letters by the First Black Eunuch and the servant puts Usbek in a position where he has to interpret the opposing statements and decide for himself who is telling the truth.
The act of writing is often a reflection of knowledge and is directly proportional to the visibility of a figure. This knowledge could be about some esoteric philosophical thought or merely the knowledge of another’s actions (like much of the gossip oriented writing of the wives). The letter is also a medium for control, as seen in many of Usbek’s letters. Usbek holds massive amounts of power in the fact that he sends numerous letters to friends detailing elements of French society and is essentially responsible for painitng a picture of France for those who have not seen it. In doing this, he has the power to mould and shape a perception of France for many people back in Persia. Letter 98 on pg. 182 is a good example of this. This passage is also a good example authoritative writing. Never does Usbek use words such as “I think” or “in my opinion.” Instead, he uses “I find”, symbolizing a strong conviction. In contrast to this, many of the wives’ letters carry a tone of despair and complaint throughout. Because of this constant homogeneity, the writing of the wives is discounted to a certain extent. Letters 156 and 157 on pg 276-278 are examples of this. The wives do carry some power in the fact that they are able to present their perspective on fights and issues in the seraglio, and in doing so manipulate Usbek against other wives and the Eunuchs. However, the Eunuchs also are able to write on behalf of the seraglio, and their opinion seems to be more regarded by Usbek.
ReplyDeleteThroughout Persian letters, power is exercised in attempting to govern, specifically in the case of Usbek and his wives. This power functions through the use of the Eunuchs. It is a power based on the loyalty of others. This secondary form of power also has a heavy reliance on elements of language (diction, tone, etc.) to convey the correct message.
The power to write a letter is only given to the “privileged”. The powers given to the privileged is granted on the basis of virtue, nobility, or morality. These particular characteristics are evident in the letters of Usbek, and the monarchical dynamic he has with the seraglio. Usbek’s noble qualities as a distinguished male gives him total dominance and the power to write in an authoritative manner to the seraglio, but his absence diminishes the effect of his commands as a “monarch”. The letters serve to transfer power from the writer to the reader. This is more clearly seen between Usbek and his eunuchs, as Usbek’s power diminishes from the temporal space between him and the seraglio. In many of Usbek’s letters he writes to give commands to the eunuchs, wives, and slaves of the seraglio. His letters are used as an act of surveillance from his “invisible watch” as an overseer of the seraglio. On page133 in letter 65 Usbek asserts his “invisible ruling power” by declaring his authority to punish any act of unrighteousness that is made visible to him (through means of the letters), and that his absence does not change the way that the seraglio is governed. Although Usbek is absent he is still able to transfers his power to the eunuchs who are next in line in the chain of command.
ReplyDeleteThe eunuchs openly write to Usbek to show their loyalty to him by making moral decisions for the seraglio. A loyal eunuch is trustworthy in the sight of Usbek, and is granted the power to govern the seraglio in his absence. For example, in letter 96 The First Eunuch writes in submission to Usbek about his worthiness as a eunuch. He writes: “I am a connoisseur of women, the more so because they cannot catch me off my guard. With me, the impulses of the emotions do not distract the eye.”(179) The word “connoisseur” is indicative of someone with expert knowledge and the ability to discriminate. This is characteristic of the First Eunuch’s ability to distinguish through his morality, about the events that occur in the seraglio.
Usbek’s wives are granted the power to write to him because of their “virtue”, even though they are dominated by the eunuch’s overprotective measures, it is their virtue that is cherished most by Usbek, therefore, as long as Usbek’s wives are virtuous they are trustworthy to the eunuchs and Usbek. Roxanna uses her power to deceive both the eunuchs and Usbek, as they believed her to be obedient to the laws of the seraglio. She writes to Usbek: “Yes, I deceived you. I suborned your eunuchs, outwitted your jealousy, and managed to turn your terrible seraglio into a place of delightful pleasures.”(280) This letter shows how powerless Usbek is in the absence of the seraglio, and how the letter can be used as a tool to torment the reader. There is complete disorder and the seraglio and Usbek no longer has the power to govern the seraglio from a distance, the monarchial dynamic he once knew is nonexistent.
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ReplyDeleteAs Charlie and Nicky said, it seems that power and distance have a direct correlation to eachother. The bigger the distance
ReplyDeletethat two parties are (time and space), the more that power diminishes. The only way that power can be constantly renewed and reestablished
in the novel is through the letters. However, because distance and power are proportional, it seems inevitable that one cannot
hold power forever and it will fall. On a side note, this may stem from the fact that when one is far away, the authority figure
seems much less threatening in all forms, and thus power is weakened. However, if the authoritative figure is visible, they are able
to hold much more power, because the threat (however they hold power, be it violence, ridicule, providing refuge) is much more real.
In Persian Letters, it seems that power exists only when two parties accepts it, for example, between Usbek and his Eunuch. The only reason why that
Usbek has power over the Eunuch is because the Eunuch accepts it. The opposite is shown when Narsit does not do what Usbek said, because Narsit does
not accept Usbek's power. Narsit chooses not to read what Usbek has wrote (example that power is accepted).
Moreover, this leads to that whoever has the power is the one that is in position of authority. And one listens to authority (most of the time
anyway). Therefore, power is a cycle that is created by an authority figure, but it can be broken when one of the party refuses to be the subservient one.
As I just said, power is dependent on two parties, therefore one party must have a reason to be the one who is the underdog. So, that means power
must be created in some way. Xixi said before, the writer is able to shape the knowledge that another person is able to receive by writing what he/she wants,
and so able to manipulate the "truth" that another person gets.
Also, someone said earlier that power is correlated to knowledge, and this seems to be the case between Rhedi and Usbek, although the relationship is more subtle.
Starting on page 202, Rhedi writes to Usbek about what he thinks on a particular matter, and Usbek then proceeds to respond back to Rhedi through a long explanation
of things. Because Usbek has a longer, deeply thought out explanation about a particular thing that Rhedi has noticed, it seems that the one who has knowledge
has more power over someone who does not have as much "knowledge", even if it may be false. This is particularly true in the case of the seraglio, because
Usbek has no knowledge of what is happening as if he is there, he does not have as much power as the ones who live there.