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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 does Valmont think it possible to seduce this woman?
(a) He already knows she has a weak character.
(b) She expressed interest in him.
(c) Her husband is away.
(d) He seduced her in the past.

2. How did Laclos' contemporary critics feel his novel would impact society?
(a) The novel would showcase French literary talent.
(b) The novel would offer scrupulous moral lessons.
(c) The novel would corrupt more people than it saved.
(d) The novel would challenge the political regime.

3. What does Merteuil call the woman Valmont wishes to seduce?
(a) A prude.
(b) A child.
(c) A hag.
(d) A trollop.

4. 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.

5. Who are the two people Cécile admits she likes best?
(a) Valmont and Merteuil.
(b) Merteuil and Danceny.
(c) Danceny and Madame de Volanges.
(d) Merteuil and Madame de Rosemonde.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

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

4. How do today's readers of Laclos interpret his novel?

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

(see the answer key)

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