View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. With whom does Valmont conspire to trick and humiliate a new acquaintance?
(a) Merteuil.
(b) Madame de Volanges.
(c) Émilie.
(d) Cécile.

2. What does "libertine" generally refer to in 18th-century France?
(a) Sexual depravity.
(b) Conventional wisdom.
(c) Pious worship of God.
(d) Conservative political ideals.

3. What does Madame de Tourvel tell Madame de Volanges she will do to get rid of Valmont?
(a) She will fake her own death.
(b) She will ask him to leave his aunt's estate.
(c) She will leave Madame de Rosemonde's estate.
(d) She will blackmail and humiliate him.

4. According to Merteuil in letter 10, which pretext do women use to submit to sexual pleasure with a man?
(a) Women allow themselves to be raped.
(b) Women initiate their own seductions.
(c) Women come to secret agreements with their lovers.
(d) Women use the excuse of weak-mindedness.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. On what issue does Cécile ask Merteuil's advice in letter 27?

2. What does Cécile tell Danceny in letter 49?

3. How does Cécile generally feel about the prospect of soon being married?

4. What ruse does Valmont use to attempt to secretly rifle through Madame de Tourvel's letters?

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

(see the answer key)

This section contains 391 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample