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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. What euphemism does Merteuil use to refer to her lover?
(a) "Distraction."
(b) "Knight."
(c) "Swain."
(d) "Pastime."

2. How does Coward characterize each "chapter" in __Les Liaisons Dangereuses_?
(a) They are "identical to one another."
(b) They are "theatrical."
(c) They are "flighty."
(d) They are "stodgy."

3. What was the beginning of Laclos' military career like?
(a) He fought constantly in the Seven Years' War.
(b) He set sail for India and China to support France's colonial efforts.
(c) He was garrisoned in provincial towns and saw no battle action.
(d) He became a decorated hero and military adviser to the King.

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

5. According to the author of the Editor's Preface, what is the value of a work of literature?
(a) Its moral obligation to society.
(b) The opportunity it offers its readers to escape their dull, daily lives.
(c) The price it can be sold at; the wealth it can bring its author.
(d) Its usefulness to society and/or the pleasure it gives its readers.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. According to Merteuil in letter 10, which pretext do women use to submit to sexual pleasure with a man?

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

4. What is an "epistolary novel?"

5. Why is Cécile unable to go to the opera with Merteuil?

(see the answer key)

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