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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why, says Madame de Tourvel in letter 78, was she wary toward Valmont when they first met?
(a) She was confused about her feelings towards him.
(b) She resented being the object of his affection.
(c) His negative reputation put her on her guard.
(d) His jocular disposition irritated her.

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

3. What occurs in the tale of seduction Valmont tells Merteuil in letter 79?
(a) Valmont himself and two unnamed women.
(b) The many mistresses of the King.
(c) One woman seduces three brothers.
(d) Three couples get hoodwinked by one man.

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

5. What does Madame de Tourvel promise to Madame de Volanges in letter 11?
(a) That she will do everything Valmont asks of her.
(b) That she will treat Valmont coldly.
(c) That she will consider no one's feelings, but her own.
(d) That she will request that Valmont leave the estate.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was the beginning of Laclos' military career like?

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

3. What does Madame de Tourvel allow Valmont to do?

4. What does Cécile think are pretty much the same thing?

5. What does the author of the Editor's Preface claim he has done?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the content of Danceny's letters to Cécile?

2. What was the general response to _Les Liaisons Dangereuses_ in the 20th century?

3. Summarize Prévan's "legendary" feat of seduction according to Valmont.

4. What are the general contents of Valmont's love letters to Madame de Tourvel?

5. How does Valmont describe Madame de Tourvel?

6. What defines or designates the "libertine" literary tradition?

7. What serious warning does Valmont give Merteuil?

8. What does Merteuil suggest, in different forms, to Cécile and Valmont?

9. How does Cécile describe Danceny to her friend Sophie?

10. What causes Cécile to become worried and sad about her upcoming marriage?

(see the answer keys)

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