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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Merteuil's story end?
(a) She becomes celebrated, adored, and idolized.
(b) She goes into hiding and assumes a false name.
(c) She is bankrupt, disfigured, and shunned.
(d) She travels the Continent to seduce more men.

2. How does Madame de Tourvel feel about Valmont?
(a) She idolizes him.
(b) She abhors him.
(c) She fears him.
(d) She pities him.

3. How did Merteuil approach sex on her wedding night?
(a) As a trial to overcome.
(b) As a boring chore to complete.
(c) As a horrifying violation to fear.
(d) As an experience to observe.

4. To whom does Valmont write to ask about seeing Madame de Tourvel?
(a) To her good friend, Madame de Volanges.
(b) To her confessor, Father Anselme.
(c) To her untrustworthy maid.
(d) To her husband, Monsieur de Tourvel.

5. What does Danceny do to Merteuil, as reported by Madame de Volanges in letter 168?
(a) He decides to forget her and the pain she caused.
(b) He publishes two of her shocking letters.
(c) He marries her in secret, then they run away to Italy.
(d) He kills her in a fit of rage.

6. What opinion about love does Merteuil voice to Valmont?
(a) Marriage is the highest form of love.
(b) Pleasure is followed by aversion.
(c) Love is the lowest human feeling.
(d) Sex is based only on physical need.

7. What does Danceny entrust to Madame de Rosemonde?
(a) Cécile's honor as Madame de Rosemonde's ward.
(b) All of the lyric poetry he wrote for Cécile.
(c) The secret of Valmont and Madame de Tourvel's relationship.
(d) Valmont's entire correspondence with Merteuil.

8. Why has Merteuil never remarried?
(a) She never meets anyone, but boring old men.
(b) She dislikes anyone having the right to complain about her behavior.
(c) She wants to retain independent control of her fortune.
(d) She is averse to the idea of belonging to one man.

9. How does Merteuil decide that Prévan is attempting to seduce her?
(a) She asks her friend, the Maréchale, whether Prévan mentioned her.
(b) She eavesdrops on his conversation with the Bishop.
(c) She asks him directly whether he is interested in her, and he demurs.
(d) She refuses to play cards, and he follows her lead.

10. What does Merteuil assert that Madame de Tourvel is doing to Valmont?
(a) Leading him on.
(b) Hardening his heart.
(c) Making him more intelligent.
(d) Boring him to death.

11. What does Danceny resolve to do at the end of the novel?
(a) Pine away and die a lonely, pitiful death.
(b) Continue to love Cécile from afar until his dying day.
(c) Take vows as a member of the Knights of Malta.
(d) Collect the letters from everyone and publish them.

12. How long has Valmont spent seducing Madame de Tourvel?
(a) Several weeks.
(b) A year.
(c) Three months.
(d) Six months.

13. What does Merteuil effectively refuse to do with Valmont?
(a) Have a sexual relationship with him.
(b) Mentor Cécile for him.
(c) Cover up for him.
(d) Share seduction stories.

14. What does Madame de Tourvel regret in letter 124?
(a) That she lost Madame de Rosemonde's respect.
(b) That she must agree to whatever Valmont asks of her.
(c) That she must be forever miserable for sacrificing Valmont.
(d) That Valmont returned all her letters instead of keeping them.

15. Upon what does Valmont blame the incident which causes Madame de Tourvel to think Valmont does not love her?
(a) An innocent remark from Madame de Volanges.
(b) Valmont's desire to help an old acquaintance.
(c) The plotting of Madame de Tourvel's husband.
(d) A case of mistaken identity.

Short Answer Questions

1. What happens to Cécile when Valmont's door opens while they are together?

2. For what does Cécile blame herself the most?

3. What physical condition makes it difficult for Madame de Rosemonde to write letters?

4. What happens to Prévan after Merteuil gets done with him?

5. What does Merteuil advise Valmont to tell Madame de Tourvel?

(see the answer keys)

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