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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Cécile initially feel about Danceny?
(a) She falls deeply in love with him.
(b) She likes him and wants to please him with her musical abilities.
(c) She hates his strict style of teaching.
(d) She feels ambivalent about him and he bores her.

2. What common subjects of social satire is the novel clearly lacking, according to Coward?
(a) Artists, musicians, and stage actors.
(b) Innocent young women and men.
(c) Servants and peasants.
(d) Adult males, financiers, and clergymen.

3. What does the author of the Editor's Preface claim he has done?
(a) Written all the letters himself, from the perspective of fictional characters.
(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) Translated these letters from another language into French.

4. Into which main form(s) was __Les Liaisons Dangereuses_ reproduced in the 20th century?
(a) Novellas.
(b) Factual memoirs.
(c) Lyric poetry.
(d) Plays and film adaptations.

5. In letter 5, how does Merteuil react to Valmont's object of desire?
(a) She places absolute faith in Valmont.
(b) She is incredulous and mocking.
(c) She encourages his plan of seduction.
(d) She expresses doubts as to his capability.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was the beginning of Laclos' military career like?

2. Whom does Cécile's mother intend for her to marry?

3. How does Coward recommend the novel should be criticized?

4. How does Valmont act toward Madame de Tourvel, as reported in letter 11?

5. How did Laclos' contemporary critics feel his novel would impact society?

(see the answer key)

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