View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part I: Letters 1 through 15.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Merteuil do to get herself in the mood for sex with her lover?
(a) She reads.
(b) She gazes at herself in the mirror.
(c) She drinks wine.
(d) She daydreams.

2. What does Madame de Tourvel promise to Madame de Volanges in letter 11?
(a) That she will consider no one's feelings, but her own.
(b) That she will request that Valmont leave the estate.
(c) That she will treat Valmont coldly.
(d) That she will do everything Valmont asks of her.

3. According to the author of the Editor's Preface, what is the value of a work of literature?
(a) Its usefulness to society and/or the pleasure it gives its readers.
(b) The price it can be sold at; the wealth it can bring its author.
(c) The opportunity it offers its readers to escape their dull, daily lives.
(d) Its moral obligation to society.

4. Whom does Valmont plan to seduce?
(a) Josephine.
(b) Merteuil.
(c) Madame de Volanges.
(d) Madame de Tourvel.

5. In his other writings, what view did Laclos take of women?
(a) Women should not be enslaved by a male-dominated society.
(b) Women were corruptors of society.
(c) Women should be seen or heard.
(d) A woman's honor was tied to their virginity.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is Madame de Tourvel staying while her husband is away?

2. What common subjects of social satire is the novel clearly lacking, according to Coward?

3. According to Merteuil in letter 10, which pretext do women use to submit to sexual pleasure with a man?

4. What is the name of the school-friend to whom Cécile writes?

5. What is a "little house?"

(see the answer key)

This section contains 346 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample