# Letter 102: The Presidente de Tourvel to Madame de Rosemonde explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## What happens

Madame de Tourvel writes to Madame de Rosemonde, confessing her sudden departure from the chateau and her overwhelming love for Valmont. She describes her internal struggle between her passion and her virtue, acknowledging that she nearly succumbed to him but fled to preserve her honor. She vows to confide everything to Madame de Rosemonde and asks for maternal guidance, lamenting her weakness and the pain of separation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love, Virtue, and Corruption

Tourvel's letter vividly portrays the conflict between her passionate love for Valmont and her commitment to virtue, as she struggles to resist temptation and preserve her moral integrity.

### Innocence and Experience

Tourvel's realization of her own vulnerability and the power of love marks a loss of innocence, as she confronts the painful experience of desire and the necessity of self-sacrifice.

## Character check-ins

### Madame de Tourvel

Writes a desperate letter confessing her love for Valmont and her decision to flee to avoid further temptation.

### Madame de Rosemonde

The recipient of the letter, whom Tourvel addresses as a maternal figure and confidante.

### Viscount de Valmont

The object of Tourvel's love; she credits his generosity for sparing her from complete ruin.

## Key lines

> Ah! this fatal visit has undone me! What can I say?—I love—yes, I love to distraction!

This visit has ruined me; I am hopelessly in love.

_Tourvel admits the depth of her feelings for Valmont, which she had previously denied._

> I shuddered at my danger, but had not power to fly:—he saw my sufferings, and had compassion on me.

I was paralyzed by fear and desire, but he showed mercy and did not take advantage of me.

_Tourvel acknowledges that Valmont's restraint saved her from complete moral failure._

> I will never consent to shame in your sight; and by means of this powerful restraint, whilst I cherish the indulgent friend, the confidant of my weakness, I shall reverence my tutelar angel that guards me from shame.

I will not disgrace myself before you; your guidance will protect me from my own weakness.

_Tourvel vows to use Madame de Rosemonde's moral authority as a safeguard against further temptation._

## Links

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