Dangerous Liaisons — Questions and answers
Read the full story
What challenge did the Vicomte de Valmont propose to the Marquise de Merteuil regarding Madame de Tourvel?
Choices
- Valmont proposed to convince Madame de Tourvel to leave her husband.
- Valmont proposed to expose Madame de Tourvel's secret past.
- Valmont proposed to arrange a marriage between Madame de Tourvel and another man.
- Valmont proposed to seduce Madame de Tourvel, a famously virtuous woman. ✓
Answer: Valmont proposed to seduce Madame de Tourvel, a famously virtuous woman.
From page 1
Where did Valmont first encounter Madame de Tourvel to begin his campaign of seduction?
Choices
- Valmont first encountered Madame de Tourvel in the formal gardens of his aunt's Château de Rosemonde. ✓
- Valmont first encountered Madame de Tourvel at a charity event in the city.
- Valmont first encountered Madame de Tourvel during a social gathering in Paris.
- Valmont first encountered Madame de Tourvel at a local village church service.
Answer: Valmont first encountered Madame de Tourvel in the formal gardens of his aunt's Château de Rosemonde.
From page 2
What role did Valmont assume to manipulate Cécile de Volanges and the Chevalier Danceny?
Choices
- Valmont acted as a confidant to Madame de Volanges about her daughter.
- Valmont acted as a secret postman for Cécile and Danceny's letters. ✓
- Valmont acted as a chaperone for Cécile and Danceny's secret meetings.
- Valmont acted as a tutor for Cécile, gaining her trust.
Answer: Valmont acted as a secret postman for Cécile and Danceny's letters.
From page 3
What act of compassion did Valmont perform to impress Madame de Tourvel in the village?
Choices
- Valmont personally nursed a sick villager back to health.
- Valmont organized a charitable feast for the entire village.
- Valmont paid off the debts of a destitute family and gave them gold. ✓
- Valmont donated a large sum to the local church for repairs.
Answer: Valmont paid off the debts of a destitute family and gave them gold.
From page 4
What was Madame de Tourvel's state when Valmont finally gained access to her bedchamber?
Choices
- Madame de Tourvel was defiant and ordered Valmont to leave immediately.
- Madame de Tourvel was asleep and unaware of Valmont's presence.
- Madame de Tourvel was calm and prepared to discuss her feelings with Valmont.
- Madame de Tourvel was pale and tearful, worn down by her internal struggle. ✓
Answer: Madame de Tourvel was pale and tearful, worn down by her internal struggle.
From page 5
How did Valmont compose the letter dismissing Madame de Tourvel?
Choices
- Valmont composed the letter using another woman's bare back as a writing desk. ✓
- Valmont composed the letter after consulting with a lawyer for legal phrasing.
- Valmont composed the letter with the Marquise de Merteuil dictating the words.
- Valmont composed the letter while sitting alone in his study late at night.
Answer: Valmont composed the letter using another woman's bare back as a writing desk.
From page 6
Where did Madame de Tourvel take refuge after receiving Valmont's letter?
Choices
- Madame de Tourvel traveled abroad to escape her sorrow.
- Madame de Tourvel took refuge in a convent, consumed by shame and grief. ✓
- Madame de Tourvel returned to her husband's country estate.
- Madame de Tourvel sought comfort from her family in Paris.
Answer: Madame de Tourvel took refuge in a convent, consumed by shame and grief.
From page 7
Where did the Marquise de Merteuil declare war on Valmont?
Choices
- The Marquise de Merteuil declared war on Valmont through a formal letter.
- The Marquise de Merteuil declared war on Valmont in her Parisian salon.
- The Marquise de Merteuil declared war on Valmont in a private box at the Opéra. ✓
- The Marquise de Merteuil declared war on Valmont at a public ball.
Answer: The Marquise de Merteuil declared war on Valmont in a private box at the Opéra.
From page 8
What did Valmont give Danceny as he lay dying?
Choices
- Valmont gave Danceny a confession of his love for Madame de Tourvel.
- Valmont gave Danceny a personal message for Cécile de Volanges.
- Valmont gave Danceny instructions for his will and estate.
- Valmont gave Danceny a packet of letters from the Marquise de Merteuil. ✓
Answer: Valmont gave Danceny a packet of letters from the Marquise de Merteuil.
From page 9
What was the immediate consequence for the Marquise de Merteuil after Valmont's letters were published?
Choices
- Society turned on her, a lawsuit stripped her fortune, and an illness ruined her beauty. ✓
- She was exiled from France by royal decree.
- She lost her social standing but managed to retain her wealth.
- She was arrested and imprisoned for her manipulative actions.
Answer: Society turned on her, a lawsuit stripped her fortune, and an illness ruined her beauty.
From page 10