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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. Why must Cécile's marriage be postponed?
(a) Cécile plans to travel and further her education.
(b) Her fiancé is away with his regiment.
(c) Cécile has second thoughts about marriage.
(d) Her fiancé is gravely ill.

2. How did French society view Laclos after the publication of _Les Liaisons Dangereuses_?
(a) As a "monster."
(b) As a "genius."
(c) As a "mystery."
(d) As a "saint."

3. 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 feels ambivalent about him and he bores her.
(d) She hates his strict style of teaching.

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

5. How does Valmont contrive to grope the woman he wants to seduce?
(a) By carrying her across a ditch.
(b) By grabbing her from behind.
(c) By helping her mount a horse.
(d) By pretending to stumble into her.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is an "epistolary novel?"

2. What does Madame de Volanges say about Valmont to Madame de Tourvel in letter 9?

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

4. What does "libertine" generally refer to in 18th-century France?

5. According to the author of the Editor's Preface, what is the value of a work of literature?

(see the answer key)

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