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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. What is the name of the narrations that everyone has gathered to listen to on "The First Day"?

2. Who is married at the fifth's week festival in December?

3. According to the book's introduction, how many times has Duc de Blangis been married?

4. The passions are referred to in Part Four as ___________.

5. What do the "young lads," who are 12-14 years of age, wear to the first dinner parties of the "society"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Martaine state that she wants to do on the 10th of January?

2. What are the facts regarding the 150 Murderous Passions?

3. During the sixth week festival in December, what happens?

4. What does Oxtiern tell Fabrice is his only concern?

5. What main concerns does Fabrice have regarding Oxtiern's relationship with Ernestine?

6. What does the First Day entail?

7. What are the stage directions for Act One?

8. What were the pairings of the "four libertines"?

9. Why does Duclos' story get interrupted on the First Day?

10. In a short summary, what happens during the action of Duclos' story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a critical analysis on Sade's texts. Focus on the material that both critics (included in the text) focused upon. Do you agree with their thoughts? Why? Do you disagree with their thoughts? Why?

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

How do you believe Sade would be looked upon as a writer today versus the way that he was regarded in the late 1700's? Are there certain aspects of his writing that would been seen as completely acceptable today, but were not accepted at all during the late 1700's? Is there material in Sade's writing that still would be considered "criminal" today?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 804 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample