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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. How did French society view Laclos after the publication of _Les Liaisons Dangereuses_?
(a) As a "monster."
(b) As a "mystery."
(c) As a "genius."
(d) As a "saint."

2. What does Cécile tell Danceny in letter 49?
(a) That Merteuil convinced her to continue writing to him.
(b) That she wants to continue their relationship.
(c) That she will meet him at a secret location to consummate their love.
(d) That her duty to God and her future husband prevent her from being with him.

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

4. What does Merteuil think is Valmont's greatest flaw in his plan of seduction?
(a) His reliance on writing letters.
(b) His specific tone of voice with Madame de Tourvel.
(c) His endeavor to appear to have reformed his libertine ways.
(d) His coming on too strong.

5. What is the first action Valmont takes to make Madame de Tourvel look favorably upon him?
(a) He expresses interest in a position in the Church.
(b) He disarms a burglar at the estate.
(c) He pays a peasant family's back taxes.
(d) He leaps to his aunt's aid when she falls.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was Laclos' relationship with his own wife and children?

2. Why, says Madame de Tourvel in letter 78, was she wary toward Valmont when they first met?

3. In letter 52, what does Valmont accuse Madame de Tourvel of slandering?

4. Whom does Danceny trust to help him continue his relationship with Cécile?

5. In letter 20, what does Merteuil promise Valmont upon the success of his seduction of Madame de Tourvel?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Cécile's relationship with Merteuil.

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

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

4. What action does Valmont take to make Madame de Tourvel love him, and what are the results?

5. How does Valmont describe Madame de Tourvel?

6. What does Valmont essentially tell Merteuil about their relationship with each other in letter 15?

7. What does the author of the Introduction say about potential political messages of social commentary in Laclos' novel?

8. What subterfuge does Valmont use to come into possession of Madame de Tourvel's letters?

9. Who is Merteuil's "knight," and what does she think of him?

10. What does the Editor state in the Editor's Preface?

(see the answer keys)

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