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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 his other writings, what view did Laclos take of women?

2. What does the author of the Editor's Preface claim he has done?

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

4. How does Valmont act toward Madame de Tourvel, as reported in letter 11?

5. How was __Les Liaisons Dangereuses_ treated after the turn of the 20th century?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Madame de Tourvel respond to Valmont's first love letter?

2. What does the author of the Introduction say is particularly engaging about Laclos' use of the epistolary form?

3. What were Laclos' general views on politics and gender relations?

4. What was the general response to _Les Liaisons Dangereuses_ in the 20th century?

5. What subterfuge does Valmont use to come into possession of Madame de Tourvel's letters?

6. What action does Valmont take to make Madame de Tourvel love him, and what are the results?

7. How does Cécile describe Danceny to her friend Sophie?

8. What are the general contents of Valmont's love letters to Madame de Tourvel?

9. What does the author of the Introduction say about potential political messages of social commentary in Laclos' novel?

10. How does Valmont describe Madame de Tourvel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the uses of irony throughout the novel. Your discussion may include: instances of satire, for instance of contemporary literary works or public figures; anything from the sarcastic tone often taken by Merteuil and Valmont in their letters to each other; the many instances of figurative language in the text such as puns and double entendres; the instances of certain characters' hypocrisy or denial; or the dramatic irony through which the reader or character knows something that another character does not. How does Laclos achieve irony? What language, tone, and style of writing indicate irony in the text? How do certain situations where characters find themselves tend toward the ironic?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the theme of male solidarity in the novel. Consider the following situations: the three men involved with Prévan's legendary seduction bond together to ruin all three women who are also Prévan's targets; Valmont convinces Madame de Tourvel's confessor, Father Anselme, to allow Valmont access to Madame de Tourvel; Valmont and Danceny, after dueling, bond together to ruin Merteuil. Are there similar instances of female solidarity in the novel? How does this influence your interpretation of gender roles in the novel? How are "communities," or even friendships, gendered in the text?

Essay Topic 3

Does Merteuil and Valmont's relationship through letter writing become a stand-in for having a real sexual relationship, or even being in love? What is the significance of them never meeting face-to-face within the confines of the book? Does Merteuil subtly seduce Valmont through the entire novel? What does she lead him to believe? What promise or contract between them does Valmont continually remind her of? How does their sexual tension contribute to the breaking of their relationship late in the novel? How does their relationship change throughout the course of the novel?

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