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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the tone of Cécile's letter to Merteuil after her encounter with Valmont?
(a) Proud and haughty.
(b) Quiet and reserved.
(c) Ashamed and confused.
(d) Excited and jocular.

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

3. What did the person whom Valmont sent to Madame de Tourvel do?
(a) The person suggested Madame de Tourvel run away.
(b) The person told the legal authorities about Valmont's activities.
(c) The person argued against Valmont's case.
(d) The person convinced her to see Valmont.

4. Whom does Valmont's valet count on to get him access to Madame de Tourvel?
(a) Valmont's friend, Étienne.
(b) Her maid, Julie.
(c) Her brother, Andres.
(d) No one.

5. What does Merteuil advise Madame de Volanges regarding Cécile?
(a) To disown her and throw her out on the street.
(b) To maintain her engagement to Gercourt.
(c) To shut her away in a convent.
(d) To allow her to elope with Danceny.

6. What news does Bertrand bring to Madame de Rosemonde?
(a) The news of Valmont's triumph.
(b) The news of Cécile's insanity.
(c) The news of Valmont's death.
(d) The news of Madame de Volanges' death.

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

8. 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.

9. How does Cécile respond to Merteuil's advice about her relationship with Valmont?
(a) She is confused and asks Merteuil if she really means what she wrote.
(b) She rebels against Merteuil and elopes with Danceny.
(c) She disagrees with Merteuil and resolves never to see Valmont again.
(d) She agrees with Merteuil and decides to enjoy Valmont's company.

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

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

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

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

14. How does Merteuil increase sympathy for herself?
(a) She claims to have been raped.
(b) She asserts that Prévan robbed her.
(c) She pretends to be ill.
(d) She keeps quiet and the mystery deepens.

15. Upon what does Merteuil instruct Danceny in letter 121?
(a) Upon his lovemaking technique.
(b) Upon his communications with Madame de Volanges.
(c) Upon his duties to his order of knights.
(d) Upon improving his contrived writing style.

Short Answer Questions

1. What has Merteuil begun to think about Belleroche?

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

3. What is Merteuil careful to say in Prévan's hearing when they meet for the second time?

4. In letter 147, what startling news does Madame de Volanges notify Madame de Rosemonde of?

5. What does Merteuil assert that Madame de Tourvel is doing to Valmont?

(see the answer keys)

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