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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Merteuil think of Madame de Tourvel?
(a) As a pupil whom she trained.
(b) As a sorry case to be pitied.
(c) As a rival whom she defeated.
(d) As a no-good whore.

2. What does Danceny complain to Merteuil about in letter 118?
(a) Their current inability to be with each other.
(b) Merteuil's lover, Belleroche.
(c) Valmont's relationship with Cécile.
(d) Cécile's coyness about his love for her.

3. How does Madame de Rosemonde learn of Madame de Tourvel's death?
(a) In a letter from Bertrand.
(b) By reading the announcement in the Paris newspapers.
(c) In a letter from Madame de Volanges.
(d) By asking Cécile why she is sad.

4. How did Merteuil approach sex on her wedding night?
(a) As an experience to observe.
(b) As a trial to overcome.
(c) As a horrifying violation to fear.
(d) As a boring chore to complete.

5. Why has Merteuil never remarried?
(a) She dislikes anyone having the right to complain about her behavior.
(b) She never meets anyone, but boring old men.
(c) She is averse to the idea of belonging to one man.
(d) She wants to retain independent control of her fortune.

6. What does Valmont instruct his valet to do in Paris?
(a) Beg to Merteuil for help on Valmont's behalf.
(b) Enlist the help of Danceny in seducing Madame de Tourvel.
(c) Pretend to be in love with Madame de Tourvel.
(d) Spy on Madame de Tourvel.

7. What about Valmont worries Madame de Tourvel?
(a) His plans to travel to Italy.
(b) His relationship with Cécile.
(c) The state of his health.
(d) His lack of interest in her.

8. How did Merteuil become adept at controlling her facial features?
(a) As a child, her tutor of manners was strict and taught her well.
(b) By observing how other people conceal what they think or feel.
(c) She woke up one day and was suddenly able to control her features.
(d) Her time as an actress gave her opportunities to practice facial expressions.

9. Why is Madame de Tourvel suddenly convinced that Valmont no longer loves her?
(a) She saw him in the company of a prostitute.
(b) She received a cold, dismissive letter from him.
(c) She saw a vision of her husband.
(d) She observes signs of his disinterest.

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

11. How does Danceny respond upon learning of Valmont's treachery?
(a) By despairing and killing himself.
(b) By calling for Valmont's arrest.
(c) By challenging Valmont to a duel.
(d) By telling Cécile.

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

13. Whom does Merteuil target for her next seduction?
(a) Gercourt.
(b) Bertram.
(c) Valmont.
(d) Danceny.

14. What does Merteuil effectively refuse to do with Valmont?
(a) Mentor Cécile for him.
(b) Cover up for him.
(c) Have a sexual relationship with him.
(d) Share seduction stories.

15. In letter 83, how does Valmont try to convince Madame de Tourvel to love him?
(a) He threatens to kill her husband if she does not love him.
(b) He threatens to kill himself if she will not love him.
(c) He argues that she is selfish and vain in refusing him.
(d) He asserts that all love, no matter what kind, is good.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Madame de Rosemonde advise Madame de Volanges do about Cécile?

2. How does Cécile respond to Valmont's suggestion about their secret correspondence?

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

4. Whom does Valmont's valet count on to get him access to Madame de Tourvel?

5. What does Madame de Tourvel reveal to Valmont in letter 90?

(see the answer keys)

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