Quote 1: “a king who makes his own happiness consist in the liberty of his people and chooses rather to be looked upon as their father than their master” pg.57

This seems to be somewhat of an early judgement about the Turks. She mentions earlier how the rich have to hide their wealth and how looking poor keeps them safe. Then she relates this to her freedoms and liberties in England. The ability to not have to hide how rich you are makes you free.

Quote 2: “Yet there was not one of them that showed the least surprise or impertinent curiosity, but received me with all the obliging civility possible.” pg.58

From history we know that many muslim women were intrigued at the way westerners dressed but in particular were pretty materialistic. Later on during the late 18th and 19th centuries Ottoman society started to really mix in western culture. But I actually believe this is just an acknowledgement between two societies, the Ottomans believed they were on the same if not higher level.

Quote 3: Tis they that are the real authors, though the soldiers are the actors of revolutions.” pg.61

In this quote she is talking about the Ottoman scholars. How valuable and important they are to the empire. They control most aspects of it as well, the women are symbols of beauty by the way she speaks of their skin and nakedness and the men represent power.

Quote 4: “he must first have the gift of tongues before he can possibly be of any use.” pg.62

She mentions how if her friend Dr.Clarke who works with the church had the ability to preach in Ottoman lands things would change. But the reason why this quote is very interesting is because this has been something that has been at the forefront of any kind of change. How important words are to any kind of revolution of cultural change. We have always heard the saying that the pen is mightier than the sword, perhaps that’s the point she might be getting at.

Quote 5: “The government here is entirely in the hands of the army” pg.66

I couldn’t help but laugh a little because of the criticism she displays against not the Ottoman empire but muslim society. She mentions how the Grand Signors daughter was getting married but she called it a ‘contract’. She calls the Grand Signor a slave and the fear of the Janissaries. To be a Janissary was a huge honor, the English also glorify war the only difference is that the English call it nationalism.