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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. What does Merteuil do to get herself in the mood for sex with her lover?
(a) She gazes at herself in the mirror.
(b) She drinks wine.
(c) She daydreams.
(d) She reads.

2. What was the beginning of Laclos' military career like?
(a) He was garrisoned in provincial towns and saw no battle action.
(b) He became a decorated hero and military adviser to the King.
(c) He set sail for India and China to support France's colonial efforts.
(d) He fought constantly in the Seven Years' War.

3. Why must Cécile's marriage be postponed?
(a) Cécile has second thoughts about marriage.
(b) Her fiancé is gravely ill.
(c) Her fiancé is away with his regiment.
(d) Cécile plans to travel and further her education.

4. What does Merteuil call Danceny in letter 38?
(a) Canny and secretive.
(b) Stupid and boring.
(c) Quiet and wise.
(d) Brainy and obtuse.

5. Which place in the social hierarchy did Laclos' family occupy?
(a) The clergy.
(b) The peasant class.
(c) The lowest form of nobility.
(d) The highest form of the gentry.

Short Answer Questions

1. What advice does Valmont give to Madame de Tourvel?

2. How did Laclos' contemporary critics feel his novel would impact society?

3. In his other writings, what view did Laclos take of women?

4. Who is the author of the Editor's Preface?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What was Choderlos de Laclos' position in society? Describe his family life.

5. Describe Cécile de Volanges.

6. What are Merteuil and Valmont's plans for Danceny and Cécile at the beginning of Part II?

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

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

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

10. How does Merteuil respond to Valmont's warning?

(see the answer keys)

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