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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Valmont spy on Madame de Tourvel?
(a) He hides behind a tapestry in her room.
(b) He uses a listening device in the room next to hers.
(c) He peeps through the keyhole of her room.
(d) He climbs a balcony to look through her window.

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

3. In letter 26, what does Madame de Tourvel blame on her impassioned outburst?
(a) The unbelieving portions of her mind and heart.
(b) Her sense of security made her unwary.
(c) Her sudden confusion at the turn of events.
(d) The true feelings of love pouring into her heart.

4. What does Cécile think are pretty much the same thing?
(a) Sex and love.
(b) Innocence and ignorance.
(c) Friendship and marriage.
(d) Friendship and love.

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

6. In letter 15, what does Valmont call Merteuil about her attentions to her current lover?
(a) He calls her gentle and caring.
(b) He calls her a slave to another's pleasure.
(c) He calls her an attention seeker.
(d) He calls her selfish and callous.

7. In his other writings, what view did Laclos take of women?
(a) Women should be seen or heard.
(b) A woman's honor was tied to their virginity.
(c) Women were corruptors of society.
(d) Women should not be enslaved by a male-dominated society.

8. How did French society view Laclos after the publication of _Les Liaisons Dangereuses_?
(a) As a "saint."
(b) As a "genius."
(c) As a "monster."
(d) As a "mystery."

9. What was the beginning of Laclos' military career like?
(a) He became a decorated hero and military adviser to the King.
(b) He fought constantly in the Seven Years' War.
(c) He was garrisoned in provincial towns and saw no battle action.
(d) He set sail for India and China to support France's colonial efforts.

10. Who is the author of the Editor's Preface?
(a) Choderlos de Laclos.
(b) Philippe-Égalité.
(c) Laclos' wife, Marie-Soulange Duperré.
(d) A close friend of Laclos.

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

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

13. Who does Valmont trick to spend time with the Vicomtesse de M?
(a) Armand.
(b) Merteuil.
(c) Philippe.
(d) Vressac.

14. What does Merteuil think is Valmont's greatest flaw in his plan of seduction?
(a) His reliance on writing letters.
(b) His specific tone of voice with Madame de Tourvel.
(c) His endeavor to appear to have reformed his libertine ways.
(d) His coming on too strong.

15. What does Madame de Volanges say about Valmont to Madame de Tourvel in letter 9?
(a) Valmont is dangerous and deceitful.
(b) Valmont is trustworthy and honest.
(c) Valmont has an addiction to gambling.
(d) Valmont has an excellent reputation around town.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why must Cécile's marriage be postponed?

2. In letter 52, what does Valmont accuse Madame de Tourvel of slandering?

3. Whom does Danceny trust to help him continue his relationship with Cécile?

4. What advice does Valmont give to Madame de Tourvel?

5. According to Merteuil in letter 10, which pretext do women use to submit to sexual pleasure with a man?

(see the answer keys)

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