View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does the author of the Editor's Preface claim he has done?
(a) Translated these letters from another language into French.
(b) Written the story of his own group of friends into the form of letters.
(c) Collected and organized real letters, and provided occasional notes.
(d) Written all the letters himself, from the perspective of fictional characters.

2. How does Madame de Tourvel react when Valmont professes his love?
(a) She stands bemused and silent.
(b) She faints on the floor.
(c) She bursts into tears.
(d) She scolds him.

3. How does Valmont make sure that Madame de Tourvel will read his first letter?
(a) He hides it in her writing desk so she will see it.
(b) He gives it to her maid to deliver to her.
(c) He leaves it in plain sight so she is forced to take it.
(d) He corners her and reads it aloud.

4. What is a "little house?"
(a) A peasant hovel.
(b) A luxurious love-nest in the country.
(c) A temporary dwelling for those on the run from the law.
(d) The servants' quarters, attached to a large estate.

5. Where does Cécile live before coming home to Paris?
(a) With a family friend.
(b) On the streets.
(c) With her elderly aunt.
(d) At a convent.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Valmont think it possible to seduce this woman?

2. With which philosophical movement of the 18th century is Laclos associated?

3. In letter 15, what does Valmont call Merteuil about her attentions to her current lover?

4. What does Madame de Tourvel tell Madame de Volanges she will do to get rid of Valmont?

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

(see the answer key)

This section contains 389 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample