Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 103: Madame de Rosemonde to the Presidente de Tourvel explained
Madame de Rosemonde responds to Madame de Tourvel's letter, expressing that she had already suspected the state of Tourvel's heart.
What happens
Madame de Rosemonde responds to Madame de Tourvel's letter, expressing that she had already suspected the state of Tourvel's heart. She notes that Tourvel never names the man she loves, which Rosemonde recognizes as the language of love. Rosemonde offers sympathy and support, sharing Tourvel's distress and offering her friendship as a confidante. She mentions that Valmont appeared greatly affected by Tourvel's sudden departure, but refrains from dwelling on the subject due to her own physical limitations.
Themes in this chapter
Love, Virtue, and Corruption
Rosemonde discusses Tourvel's internal conflict between her virtuous resolve and her overpowering love, emphasizing the struggle to maintain virtue.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Tourvel's letter conceals the name of her beloved, illustrating the gap between public propriety and private emotion.
Epistolary Form and Unreliable Truth
Rosemonde interprets Tourvel's omission of Valmont's name as a telltale sign of love, highlighting how letters reveal hidden truths through what is left unsaid.
Characters to notice
- Madame de Tourvel
The recipient of the letter; Rosemonde addresses her with affection and concern, acknowledging her hidden love and distress.
- Madame de Rosemonde
The writer; she offers comfort and friendship, sharing in Tourvel's sorrow and reflecting on her own past experiences with love.
- Viscount de Valmont
Referred to indirectly as the unnamed object of Tourvel's love; Rosemonde notes he was greatly affected by Tourvel's departure.
Key passages
“I was more afflicted, my lovely dear, at your departure, than surprised at the cause; long experience, and my concern for you, had sufficiently informed me the state of your heart; and to sum up all, you have told me almost nothing in your letter but what I feared.”
Your leaving saddened me more than it shocked me, because I already suspected how you felt; your letter only confirmed my worries.
Rosemonde reveals her prior awareness of Tourvel's emotional state and her distress at the confirmation.
“I do not know whether I do right in telling you he appeared amazingly affected as your sudden departure; it would, perhaps, be better not to mention it: but I am not fond of that prudence that afflicts one’s friends.”
I'm not sure if I should tell you this, but he seemed deeply moved by your sudden leaving; maybe I shouldn't say it, but I don't believe in being cautious if it hurts my friends.
Rosemonde shares Valmont's reaction despite her hesitation, prioritizing honesty over discretion.