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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Letters 16 - 50.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Cécile tell Danceny in letter 49?
(a) That Merteuil convinced her to continue writing to him.
(b) That she will meet him at a secret location to consummate their love.
(c) That her duty to God and her future husband prevent her from being with him.
(d) That she wants to continue their relationship.

2. According to the author of the Editor's Preface, what is the value of a work of literature?
(a) The opportunity it offers its readers to escape their dull, daily lives.
(b) Its moral obligation to society.
(c) Its usefulness to society and/or the pleasure it gives its readers.
(d) The price it can be sold at; the wealth it can bring its author.

3. What ruse does Valmont use to attempt to secretly rifle through Madame de Tourvel's letters?
(a) He fakes a nosebleed and leaves the room.
(b) He complains of a headache.
(c) He pretends to be a burglar in the night.
(d) He says he is going hunting.

4. What euphemism does Merteuil use to refer to her lover?
(a) "Distraction."
(b) "Pastime."
(c) "Knight."
(d) "Swain."

5. Who is the author of the Editor's Preface?
(a) Choderlos de Laclos.
(b) A close friend of Laclos.
(c) Laclos' wife, Marie-Soulange Duperré.
(d) Philippe-Égalité.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Coward recommend the novel should be criticized?

2. What is the name of the school-friend to whom Cécile writes?

3. What common subjects of social satire is the novel clearly lacking, according to Coward?

4. What does Merteuil do to get herself in the mood for sex with her lover?

5. What message does the Publisher's Foreword give?

(see the answer key)

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