View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. In letter 20, what does Merteuil promise Valmont upon the success of his seduction of Madame de Tourvel?
(a) That she will never speak to him again.
(b) That she will introduce him to another young lady.
(c) That she will admit he is better at seductions than she.
(d) That she will sleep with him.

3. Why does Valmont think it possible to seduce this woman?
(a) He already knows she has a weak character.
(b) Her husband is away.
(c) She expressed interest in him.
(d) He seduced her in the past.

4. 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 ignored its existence until ten years ago.
(c) Readers and critics extolled it as the single best novel of the Western hemisphere.
(d) Readers and critics were more likely to praise and study it.

5. What does Laclos favor over the well-trained mind?
(a) A stout constitution.
(b) A high social station.
(c) A feeling heart.
(d) A sense of humor.

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

7. What is the name of the school-friend to whom Cécile writes?
(a) Eliza.
(b) Francoise.
(c) Émilie.
(d) Sophie.

8. What euphemism does Merteuil use to refer to her lover?
(a) "Pastime."
(b) "Swain."
(c) "Knight."
(d) "Distraction."

9. How does Merteuil respond to Valmont's warning about the man who wants to pursue her?
(a) She decides to pursue the man.
(b) She ignores his warning and forgets the man.
(c) She takes Valmont's advice to beware.
(d) She resolves to reform the man's libertine ways.

10. Whom does Danceny trust to help him continue his relationship with Cécile?
(a) Valmont.
(b) Madame de Rosemonde.
(c) Bertram.
(d) Madame de Tourvel.

11. What does Merteuil call the woman Valmont wishes to seduce?
(a) A trollop.
(b) A child.
(c) A prude.
(d) A hag.

12. What does Madame de Volanges threaten to do to Danceny?
(a) Have him arrested.
(b) Ban him from her house.
(c) Publicly expose him.
(d) Bankrupt him.

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

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

15. What does Merteuil tell Cécile when they attend the opera together?
(a) When a woman marries, she must love only her husband.
(b) Marriage is a futile institution that oppresses women.
(c) On her wedding night, a young woman must be prepared for certain things.
(d) It is perfectly acceptable to have many lovers at once.

Short Answer Questions

1. Against whom does Valmont warn Merteuil in letter 70?

2. What advice does Cécile's friend offer regarding Danceny's letter?

3. What is the main rule of Valmont's and Merteuil's seductions?

4. Whom does Merteuil want to manipulate into a relationship with Cécile?

5. How does Valmont avoid detection of his and the Vicomtesse's dalliance?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 661 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample