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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 else does David Coward, author of the Introduction, insist is a factor in libertine novels?
(a) The provocation of social mores.
(b) The reinforcement of ancient wisdom.
(c) The questioning of humanity's purpose on earth.
(d) The surrealist confusion of society.

2. On what issue does Cécile ask Merteuil's advice in letter 27?
(a) Whether it would be wrong to correspond with Danceny.
(b) Whether she should tell her mother of her interest in Danceny.
(c) Whether Merteuil thinks Danceny will remain faithful.
(d) Which gown she should wear to the opera the next night.

3. How does Coward characterize each "chapter" in __Les Liaisons Dangereuses_?
(a) They are "identical to one another."
(b) They are "flighty."
(c) They are "theatrical."
(d) They are "stodgy."

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

5. Whom does Cécile's mother intend for her to marry?
(a) The Comte de Gercourt.
(b) The Vicomte de Valmont.
(c) The Chevalier Danceny.
(d) Monsieur de Prévan.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Merteuil do to get herself in the mood for sex with her lover?

2. What occurs in the tale of seduction Valmont tells Merteuil in letter 79?

3. How does Valmont avoid detection of his and the Vicomtesse's dalliance?

4. What is a "little house?"

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Cécile feel about Danceny's first letter?

4. How does the Publisher's Foreword introduce the novel?

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

6. Describe Cécile's relationship with Merteuil.

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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