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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Letters 51 - 80.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why, says Madame de Tourvel in letter 78, was she wary toward Valmont when they first met?
(a) His jocular disposition irritated her.
(b) She resented being the object of his affection.
(c) His negative reputation put her on her guard.
(d) She was confused about her feelings towards him.

2. How does Valmont's tale of seduction end?
(a) With an orgy.
(b) With a kidnapping.
(c) With a pregnancy.
(d) With a duel.

3. How does Coward recommend the novel should be criticized?
(a) By placing the novel only in the context of 18th-century France.
(b) By using a variety of critical theories and methodologies.
(c) By employing only what the reader knows about Laclos' life.
(d) By referencing only the text itself, and no outside information.

4. What does Merteuil call Danceny in letter 38?
(a) Canny and secretive.
(b) Stupid and boring.
(c) Quiet and wise.
(d) Brainy and obtuse.

5. How do today's readers of Laclos interpret his novel?
(a) They find that each character has definite motivations.
(b) They cannot agree on the ambiguous meanings and motivations of the characters.
(c) They neglect several characters and only focus on one or two.
(d) They always apply Laclos' personal history to the meaning of the novel.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Valmont say is notable about the man pursuing Merteuil?

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

3. What does Danceny refuse to do, despite Madame de Volanges' request?

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

5. To whom does the Marquise de Merteuil confide her plots?

(see the answer key)

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