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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What else does David Coward, author of the Introduction, insist is a factor in libertine novels?
(a) The surrealist confusion of society.
(b) The questioning of humanity's purpose on earth.
(c) The provocation of social mores.
(d) The reinforcement of ancient wisdom.

3. Whom does Merteuil want to manipulate into a relationship with Cécile?
(a) Monsieur de Tourvel.
(b) Danceny.
(c) Valmont.
(d) Azolan.

4. Who wrote the Publisher's Foreword to _Les Liasons Dangerueses_?
(a) The owner of the shop in which the book was printed.
(b) Laclos' wife, Marie-Soulange Duperré.
(c) The Duke d'Orleans.
(d) Choderlos de Laclos.

5. What does Danceny's letter 28 accuse Cécile of?
(a) Being ignorant about his feelings.
(b) Being rude and condescending in her letters.
(c) Being flirtatious with other men.
(d) Being heartless and pitiless toward him.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was Laclos' relationship with his own wife and children?

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

3. What does Merteuil do to get herself in the mood for sex with her lover?

4. What event does Valmont tell Madame de Tourvel secured his love for her?

5. Who or what does Coward see as at fault for the events of the novel?

(see the answer key)

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