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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part I: Letters 1 through 15.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is a "little house?"
(a) A temporary dwelling for those on the run from the law.
(b) The servants' quarters, attached to a large estate.
(c) A luxurious love-nest in the country.
(d) A peasant hovel.

2. What else does David Coward, author of the Introduction, insist is a factor in libertine novels?
(a) The reinforcement of ancient wisdom.
(b) The provocation of social mores.
(c) The questioning of humanity's purpose on earth.
(d) The surrealist confusion of society.

3. Where does Cécile live before coming home to Paris?
(a) With a family friend.
(b) At a convent.
(c) With her elderly aunt.
(d) On the streets.

4. In his other writings, what view did Laclos take of women?
(a) A woman's honor was tied to their virginity.
(b) Women should be seen or heard.
(c) Women should not be enslaved by a male-dominated society.
(d) Women were corruptors of society.

5. Whom does Valmont plan to seduce?
(a) Madame de Volanges.
(b) Merteuil.
(c) Josephine.
(d) Madame de Tourvel.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. How do today's readers of Laclos interpret his novel?

3. Whom does Merteuil want to manipulate into a relationship with Cécile?

4. How does Cécile initially feel about Danceny?

5. Who is the author of the Editor's Preface?

(see the answer key)

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