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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. During the storming of the Bastille, how many volumes of Sade's library were looted?

2. How old was Florville when Saint-Agne proposed to her?

3. Villeterque accused Sade of portraying villains who were _________.

4. Who is the first slave to Nature's laws?

5. How old is Florville during the action of the story?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the progression of the novel throughout history?

2. Why did Sade state that he did not want to make vice attractive in his writings?

3. Why is Courval considering remarrying?

4. According to Beauvoir, what was Sade like at the age of twenty-three?

5. Describe Mademoiselle de Florville.

6. What was the contradiction that Villeterque set up regarding glory, virtue, and villainy?

7. What did Sade say about the effect that "insults directed by jealousy" had on a "man of letters"?

8. What did Sade believe regarding motion?

9. Where did Sade believe that the original and eternal Nature existed?

10. What two things does the "arranger" believe Florville has that count against her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Do you believe that Sade's writings were pornographic? Or, did he go beyond pornographic for you (as a reader)? Were there specific actions that you would consider "going a little too far"? Or, do you believe that Sade went just far enough?

Essay Topic 2

In an age where technology reigns supreme, people are mystified and obsessed with criminals. This is evidenced by television shows which feature serial killers and movies that are meant to disgust and frighten. Do you think that society is ready for Sade? Why/Why not?

Essay Topic 3

Why do you believe that the "Passions" moved from "complex" to "criminal" to "murderous"? What was the progression? What changed as the "Passions" progressed? Why do you believe the "Passions" changed?

(see the answer keys)

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