# Letter 100: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil explained — Dangerous Liaisons

> Chapter companion for Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.

## What happens

Valmont writes to Merteuil in a rage after discovering that Madame de Tourvel has secretly fled the chateau. He feels betrayed and humiliated, vowing revenge. He plans to pursue her, reassert control, and make her suffer. He also mentions his suspicion of Madame de Volanges and his intention to stay at the chateau to deceive Tourvel into thinking he has given up.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revenge and Cruelty

Valmont's rage at being deceived fuels a detailed fantasy of revenge, including making Tourvel suffer and beg for mercy.

### Seduction and Manipulation

Valmont's plan to feign indifference and then suddenly confront Tourvel exemplifies his manipulative strategy.

## Character check-ins

### Viscount de Valmont

Furious and humiliated by Tourvel's departure; vows revenge and plots to regain power over her.

### Marchioness de Merteuil

Valmont's confidante; he seeks her advice and assistance in his revenge scheme.

### Madame de Tourvel

Has secretly fled the chateau, provoking Valmont's rage and desire for revenge.

### Madame de Rosemonde

Valmont reports her indifferent reaction to Tourvel's departure, attributing it to old age.

### Madame de Volanges

Valmont suspects her as a possible accomplice but is pleased she was not consulted; he detests her.

## Key lines

> I am betrayed, bubbled, ruined; I am enraged beyond expression: Madame de Tourvel is gone off.

Valmont declares he has been betrayed and ruined because Madame de Tourvel has left without his knowledge.

_Opening outburst expressing shock and fury at Tourvel's departure._

> With what rapture shall I be revenged! I shall again meet this perfidious woman; I will resume my power over her.

Valmont anticipates the pleasure of revenge and vows to regain control over Tourvel.

_Valmont's vengeful determination to reassert dominance._

> I shall not be able to support my fate until I have disposed of hers: then, tranquil and satiated, I shall behold her a prey to the ravages I now experience.

Valmont cannot rest until he has made Tourvel suffer as he does now; only then will he find peace.

_Reveals his obsession with reciprocal suffering._

## Links

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