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

2. How does Valmont make sure that Madame de Tourvel will read his first letter?
(a) He gives it to her maid to deliver to her.
(b) He leaves it in plain sight so she is forced to take it.
(c) He corners her and reads it aloud.
(d) He hides it in her writing desk so she will see it.

3. How does Merteuil respond to Valmont's warning about the man who wants to pursue her?
(a) She takes Valmont's advice to beware.
(b) She decides to pursue the man.
(c) She resolves to reform the man's libertine ways.
(d) She ignores his warning and forgets the man.

4. How does Valmont act toward Madame de Tourvel, as reported in letter 11?
(a) He makes no attempt to conceal his lust.
(b) He regales her with licentious tales.
(c) He is gentlemanly and attentive.
(d) He ignores her and barely speaks to her.

5. How does Valmont trick Madame de Volanges into receiving his second letter?
(a) He hides it in one of her letters, which she has asked him to return.
(b) He glues it inside her favorite book.
(c) He throws it on her lap while company visits, forcing her to grab it and hide it.
(d) He slips it under her door at night.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Merteuil call the woman Valmont wishes to seduce?

2. What does Valmont say is notable about the man pursuing Merteuil?

3. What does Cécile tell Danceny in letter 49?

4. What does Madame de Volanges threaten to do to Danceny?

5. How does Cécile initially feel about Danceny?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Merteuil assert is the reason women become "victims" of seduction?

2. Describe Cécile de Volanges.

3. How does Madame de Tourvel respond to Valmont's first love letter?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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