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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Letters 101 - 124.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Danceny complain to Merteuil about in letter 118?
(a) Merteuil's lover, Belleroche.
(b) Cécile's coyness about his love for her.
(c) Valmont's relationship with Cécile.
(d) Their current inability to be with each other.

2. Which place in the social hierarchy did Laclos' family occupy?
(a) The lowest form of nobility.
(b) The clergy.
(c) The highest form of the gentry.
(d) The peasant class.

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

4. How does Valmont make sure that Madame de Tourvel will read his first letter?
(a) He hides it in her writing desk so she will see it.
(b) He gives it to her maid to deliver to her.
(c) He leaves it in plain sight so she is forced to take it.
(d) He corners her and reads it aloud.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Gercourt wish to delay his and Cécile's marriage?

2. What event does Madame de Volanges' sudden illness threaten?

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

4. What does Laclos favor over the well-trained mind?

5. How does Prévan get into Merteuil's room on the night of his apparent victory?

(see the answer key)

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