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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. In the end of the Fifth Dialogue, Chevalier argues that Dolmance would not be so callous if what happened?

2. Which character is a virgin at the beginning of The Bedroom Philosophers?

3. According to the pamphlet's author, what do totalitarian rulers use God for?

4. In his outburst in the end of Fifth Dialogue, Chevalier argues that the poor are what?

5. Dolmance believes all laws are a crime against whom?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How is the very end of The Bedroom Philosophers incongruous with what preceded it?

3. Why does the author of the pamphlet favor the Olympian gods?

4. According to Dolmance in this section, how does nature disprove the existence of vice?

5. What new institutions does the pamphleteer recommend establishing?

6. How does Dolmance explain his vile character in this section?

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

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

9. According to the author of the pamphlet, what is the value of suicide?

10. How is Dolmance awed by Augustin in this section?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are many characters - both present and referenced - that could be construed as surrogates for the author in The Bedroom Philosophers. Write an essay about three of them: Dolmance, Madame de Saint-Ange and the unnamed author of the pamphlet. What component of Sade's worldview does each represent, and how is this viewpoint presented? Is it enacted in the action or simply discussed at length?

Essay Topic 2

Dolmance is the dedicated libertine and sodomite who heads up the education of Eugenie. Write a three-part essay about Dolmance's philosophy of life. What arguments does he make regarding each topic? What does this say about the Marquis de Sade's views regarding France? What connects his philosophical views to his sexual proclivities?

Part 1) Charity.

Part 2) Parental relationships.

Part 3) Marriage

Essay Topic 3

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?

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