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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. When does Dolmance say he experiences the greatest sexual pleasure?

2. In this section of the Fifth Dialogue, what specifically does Dolmance say is a false construct?

3. What does Madame offer Dolmance in this section, that he refuses?

4. What does Dolmance do to Madame de Mistival as he lectures her in the Final Dialogue?

5. What does Dolmance use to revive Madame de Mival after she passes out?

Short Essay Questions

1. What arrives for the libertines in the Sixth Dialogue?

2. What transpires at the end of the Fifth Dialogue?

3. Why does the author of the pamphlet reject the notion of laws as important to order?

4. How does Eugenie's reaction to her mother in the beginning of the Final Dialogue reflect a change in her character?

5. In the Fifth Dialogue, what does Dolmance explain about the law to Eugenie?

6. What is the only true connection between two people, according to Dolmance in this section?

7. What is the only purpose of friendship, according to Dolmance?

8. Why does Dolmance expound on marriage in this section, and what does he say?

9. What argument does Dolmance regarding the human heart in the beginning of this section?

10. What trepidations does Augustin have at the beginning of the Fifth Dialogue?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the pamphlet Chevalier reads in the Fifth Dialogue, an unnamed author refutes the notion that laws are necessary for public order. Over the course of the pamphlet, he disproves the harmful effects of many crimes. Write an essay about three of these crimes. Why does the author state that they are not harmful? What positive effects do they have? What societal changes does the author recommend in harnessing this good?

Part 1) Slander

Part 2) Rape and incest

Part 3) Murder

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about the historical context of The Bedroom Philosophers. What was happening in France at the time that the Marquis de Sade was writing? What reference to these historical events is made in the book? What do the libertines of the book think about the political state of the nation? What changes would they like to see instituted in the country and why?

Essay Topic 3

Review the orgy texts of The Bedroom Philosophers and write an essay about how the Marquis de Sade portrays actually copulation. How does the author make clear the specific actions that each character is undertaking? For Eugenie, how does involvement in these activities transition from trepidation to euphoria? What occurs in the text that indicates that the participants are reaching orgasm?

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