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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How did Laclos' contemporary critics feel his novel would impact society?
(a) The novel would offer scrupulous moral lessons.
(b) The novel would showcase French literary talent.
(c) The novel would challenge the political regime.
(d) The novel would corrupt more people than it saved.

2. What idea does Merteuil plant in Cécile's head after the revelation of her and Danceny's love?
(a) Becoming a nun.
(b) Seeing Danceny in secret.
(c) Running away with Danceny.
(d) Shifting her desire to Valmont.

3. How does Valmont avoid detection of his and the Vicomtesse's dalliance?
(a) He pretends to become ill and incapable of making love.
(b) He accuses her of sleeping with a different man.
(c) He pretends there was a burglar in her room.
(d) He sneaks away from the house before everyone wakes.

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

5. How does Cécile generally feel about the prospect of soon being married?
(a) Haughty and snobbish.
(b) Depressed and dour.
(c) Excited, but confused.
(d) Anxious and frightened.

6. How does Valmont act toward Madame de Tourvel, as reported in letter 11?
(a) He regales her with licentious tales.
(b) He makes no attempt to conceal his lust.
(c) He is gentlemanly and attentive.
(d) He ignores her and barely speaks to her.

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

8. In letter 52, what does Valmont accuse Madame de Tourvel of slandering?
(a) Valmont's reputation.
(b) The generosity of Valmont's aunt.
(c) The concepts of friendship and trust.
(d) Her own reputation.

9. What event does Madame de Volanges' sudden illness threaten?
(a) Danceny's meeting with Madame de Tourvel.
(b) Cécile's secret meeting with Danceny.
(c) Cécile's meeting with Valmont.
(d) Merteuil's meeting with Valmont.

10. On what issue does Cécile ask Merteuil's advice in letter 27?
(a) Whether she should tell her mother of her interest in Danceny.
(b) Which gown she should wear to the opera the next night.
(c) Whether Merteuil thinks Danceny will remain faithful.
(d) Whether it would be wrong to correspond with Danceny.

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

12. Why must Cécile's marriage be postponed?
(a) Cécile has second thoughts about marriage.
(b) Her fiancé is gravely ill.
(c) Cécile plans to travel and further her education.
(d) Her fiancé is away with his regiment.

13. What literary tradition does Coward see as applicable?
(a) Sentimentality.
(b) Don Juanism.
(c) Elegiac poetry.
(d) Romanticism.

14. What ruse does Valmont use to attempt to secretly rifle through Madame de Tourvel's letters?
(a) He fakes a nosebleed and leaves the room.
(b) He says he is going hunting.
(c) He complains of a headache.
(d) He pretends to be a burglar in the night.

15. What does Madame de Tourvel promise to Madame de Volanges in letter 11?
(a) That she will request that Valmont leave the estate.
(b) That she will consider no one's feelings, but her own.
(c) That she will treat Valmont coldly.
(d) That she will do everything Valmont asks of her.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who notified Madame de Volanges of Cécile and Danceny's romance?

2. What is the first action Valmont takes to make Madame de Tourvel look favorably upon him?

3. Where does Cécile live before coming home to Paris?

4. Into which main form(s) was __Les Liaisons Dangereuses_ reproduced in the 20th century?

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

(see the answer keys)

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