West Meets East an Exchange of Royal Letters - Essay Example

In his letter, King Louis seems to be interested in personal achievements rather than the general good of France citizens. Motivation to him appears to originate from the concept of punishing sinners and not propagating his religion, as stated in his letter to the King of Tonkin (Spielgovel 431). On the contrary, the King of Tonkin recognized the virtue of fidelity as held by King Louis as well as emphasizing the importance of justice. In his perspective, King of Tonkin notably believes that fidelity and justice would not produce worthy results.

The King of Tonkin upholds the custom of his kingdom rather than that of private friendship. He also seems not to have belief and trust in King Louis following the long war that had persisted for several years between the two nations. However, the sense of sincerity from King Louis constitutes the source of his motivation. In addition, the feelings of justice and fidelity also motivate the King of Tonkin (Spielgovel 431). In writing to King of Tonkin, King Louis had a wooing voice towards capturing the consideration by the King on accepting his request to propagate his religion.

In the letter, the voice and language used presents numerous praises with the motive of irony. This would be evidenced by the use of certain praise words that seem to portray an opposite meaning to the King of Tonkin to what he really intends. King Louis also advocates a motive of expanding his personal ambitions and territory of operation. Furthermore, in the letter, King Louis gives reference to his subjects who once received protection under the Realm of the King of Tonkin. This inclusion of the protection accorded to his subjects indicates a point of reference by him in convincing the King of Tonkin to accept his request (Spielgovel 431).

The letter by King Louis reveals certain personality traits about him. He does not exist as a theologian but instead uses the virtue of religion in seeking to achieve his personal associations. Also, he remains to be an eminent figure in France’s history during the western civilization period. Moreover, King Louis practices an authoritarian leadership style. This becomes evident in his letter when he informs the King of Tonkin about his commands for the Royal Company and Messrs to establish itself in Tonkin soonest possible.

In presenting the gifts to the King of Tonkin, the language used in writing does not reflect the willing and free choice of giving, but rather a command. This, thus, portrays a sense of customary formality in his way of appreciation through gifts and not a heartfelt appreciation. King Louis may be a hypocrite in the sense that he pretends to have moral virtues and opinions that he does not actually have. The idea of Christian missionaries reveals this personality in him (Spielgovel 431). In his response to King Louis, the King of Tonkin refused to accept Christian missionaries in his kingdom.

He justified his position by asserting that some authorities or edicts had already introduced a custom that forbids Christian missionaries. In addition, the King of Tonkin justifies his position by way of asking a straight forward question indicating that he could disregard a well-established custom in satisfying private friendship.