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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Who or what does Coward see as at fault for the events of the novel?
(a) The pressures of the social caste system.
(b) The natural, undeniable human sexual curiosity.
(c) The fate handed down by God.
(d) The actions of individuals.

3. 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 coming on too strong.
(d) His endeavor to appear to have reformed his libertine ways.

4. What does Madame de Volanges discover about her daughter?
(a) She has been corresponding with Danceny.
(b) She has been disrespectful to God.
(c) She has been spending her inheritance foolishly.
(d) She has been having sex with Valmont.

5. What is a "little house?"
(a) The servants' quarters, attached to a large estate.
(b) A luxurious love-nest in the country.
(c) A peasant hovel.
(d) A temporary dwelling for those on the run from the law.

6. How was __Les Liaisons Dangereuses_ treated after the turn of the 20th century?
(a) Readers and critics reaffirmed the initial 18th-century response.
(b) Readers and critics were more likely to praise and study it.
(c) Readers and critics ignored its existence until ten years ago.
(d) Readers and critics extolled it as the single best novel of the Western hemisphere.

7. What is Valmont and Danceny's relationship as of letter 57?
(a) They do not have a relationship.
(b) Wary and cautious.
(c) Vengeful and angry.
(d) Open and trusting.

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

9. What does Danceny refuse to do, despite Madame de Volanges' request?
(a) Travel abroad to forget Cécile.
(b) Burn his letters.
(c) Marry another woman.
(d) Return Cécile's letters.

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

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

12. Whom does Cécile's mother intend for her to marry?
(a) The Chevalier Danceny.
(b) Monsieur de Prévan.
(c) The Comte de Gercourt.
(d) The Vicomte de Valmont.

13. What advice does Valmont give to Madame de Tourvel?
(a) Tell others of his love for Valmont, and they will understand.
(b) Succumb to desire and she will pay the price.
(c) Love, and her fears will vanish.
(d) Desert her husband, in order to marry Valmont.

14. How does Madame de Tourvel react when Valmont professes his love?
(a) She scolds him.
(b) She faints on the floor.
(c) She stands bemused and silent.
(d) She bursts into tears.

15. Who are the two people Cécile admits she likes best?
(a) Merteuil and Madame de Rosemonde.
(b) Danceny and Madame de Volanges.
(c) Valmont and Merteuil.
(d) Merteuil and Danceny.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Valmont trick to spend time with the Vicomtesse de M?

2. As of letter 44, what has Madame de Tourvel done with Valmont's letters?

3. Which place in the social hierarchy did Laclos' family occupy?

4. Who is the author of the Editor's Preface?

5. With what circumstance is Danceny most frustrated?

(see the answer keys)

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