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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Valmont and Madame de Tourvel's first sexual encounter go?
(a) She surprises him with her refined technique.
(b) She faints and he rapes her.
(c) It is a mutually satisfying experience.
(d) They are interrupted by a servant halfway through.

2. Why does Gercourt wish to delay his and Cécile's marriage?
(a) He wants to travel in Italy with a relative.
(b) His regiment will move further away.
(c) He wishes for time to allow Cécile to grow up.
(d) He has cold feet.

3. What does Merteuil advise Cécile to do after being raped by Valmont?
(a) Confess everything to her mother and ask for forgiveness.
(b) Give into despair.
(c) Give into pleasure and take Valmont as a lover.
(d) Keep the event secret from Danceny and elope with him.

4. By letter 148, whom has Danceny taken as a lover?
(a) Rosalind.
(b) Julie.
(c) Merteuil.
(d) Cécile.

5. How does Prévan get into Merteuil's room on the night of his apparent victory?
(a) She suggests he use a secret staircase.
(b) He decides to climb her balcony.
(c) She suggests he disguise himself as a servant.
(d) He rappels down from her roof.

6. What is the reason for Valmont's seduction of Madame de Tourvel, according to what Valmont tells Merteuil in letter 133?
(a) Valmont wanted to investigate his own seductive powers.
(b) Valmont gladly took on Madame de Tourvel's seduction on a dare.
(c) Valmont was bored and wanted a project to occupy his time.
(d) Valmont felt he needed more practice at ordinary seductions.

7. What does Valmont do when alone with Cécile in her room?
(a) He comforts her.
(b) He lectures her.
(c) He terrorizes her.
(d) He rapes her.

8. What does Cécile assert to Danceny after his letter reveals his suspicions?
(a) That she will refuse to see him again.
(b) That she and Valmont decided not to listen to Danceny.
(c) That her mother will never discover Cécile's plan.
(d) That if they will both be unhappy, it won't be entirely her fault.

9. What does Madame de Tourvel regret in letter 124?
(a) That she must agree to whatever Valmont asks of her.
(b) That she lost Madame de Rosemonde's respect.
(c) That she must be forever miserable for sacrificing Valmont.
(d) That Valmont returned all her letters instead of keeping them.

10. To whom does Valmont write to ask about seeing Madame de Tourvel?
(a) To her untrustworthy maid.
(b) To her good friend, Madame de Volanges.
(c) To her husband, Monsieur de Tourvel.
(d) To her confessor, Father Anselme.

11. What does Madame de Rosemonde offer Madame de Tourvel in her return letter?
(a) Understanding, forgiveness, and hope.
(b) Confusion, curiosity, and ignorance.
(c) Censure, chastisement, and disappointment.
(d) Happiness, joy, and congratulations.

12. What does Madame de Tourvel confess to Madame de Rosemonde?
(a) That she loves Valmont.
(b) That he thinks of suicide.
(c) That she will divorce her husband.
(d) That she secretly hates society.

13. What opinion about love does Merteuil voice to Valmont?
(a) Sex is based only on physical need.
(b) Pleasure is followed by aversion.
(c) Love is the lowest human feeling.
(d) Marriage is the highest form of love.

14. What is Merteuil careful to say in Prévan's hearing when they meet for the second time?
(a) That she will be at home in two days.
(b) That she grows weary of widowhood.
(c) That she feels faint and needs to lie down.
(d) That she fancies a dashing young man.

15. What does Danceny resolve to do at the end of the novel?
(a) Collect the letters from everyone and publish them.
(b) Pine away and die a lonely, pitiful death.
(c) Take vows as a member of the Knights of Malta.
(d) Continue to love Cécile from afar until his dying day.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Merteuil decide that Prévan is attempting to seduce her?

2. What does Merteuil effectively refuse to do with Valmont?

3. What does Danceny entrust to Madame de Rosemonde?

4. What does Madame de Tourvel send to Madame de Rosemonde?

5. What is Madame de Tourvel's mindset in letter 161?

(see the answer keys)

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