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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Letters 16 - 50.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Merteuil in letter 10, which pretext do women use to submit to sexual pleasure with a man?
(a) Women use the excuse of weak-mindedness.
(b) Women come to secret agreements with their lovers.
(c) Women allow themselves to be raped.
(d) Women initiate their own seductions.

2. What is the name of the school-friend to whom Cécile writes?
(a) Émilie.
(b) Sophie.
(c) Eliza.
(d) Francoise.

3. Why is Cécile unable to go to the opera with Merteuil?
(a) Madame de Volanges is suspicious of her daughter.
(b) Madame de Volanges prohibits her daughter from seeing Merteuil.
(c) Madame de Volanges is ill and wishes her daughter to stay with her.
(d) Madame de Volanges does not approve of the opera.

4. What else does David Coward, author of the Introduction, insist is a factor in libertine novels?
(a) The reinforcement of ancient wisdom.
(b) The surrealist confusion of society.
(c) The provocation of social mores.
(d) The questioning of humanity's purpose on earth.

5. What was Laclos' relationship with his own wife and children?
(a) He was warm and loving.
(b) He was cold and distant.
(c) He was timid and shy.
(d) He was harsh and abusive.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Cécile live before coming home to Paris?

2. In letter 20, what does Merteuil promise Valmont upon the success of his seduction of Madame de Tourvel?

3. As of letter 44, what has Madame de Tourvel done with Valmont's letters?

4. What does Merteuil tell Cécile when they attend the opera together?

5. Whom does Merteuil want to manipulate into a relationship with Cécile?

(see the answer key)

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