Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 113: Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont explained
Merteuil warns Valmont that rumors about his absence and romantic entanglement with Tourvel are damaging his reputation in Paris.
What happens
Merteuil warns Valmont that rumors about his absence and romantic entanglement with Tourvel are damaging his reputation in Paris. She urges him to return immediately to restore his image, criticizing his fixation on Tourvel and his lack of invention. She also discusses her plan to break off with Belleroche by taking him to the country, and reveals her new interest in Danceny, whom she intends to seduce away from Cecilia.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Manipulation
Merteuil manipulates Valmont's actions and plans to seduce Danceny, using strategy and deception to achieve her desires.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Merteuil advises Valmont to return to Paris to maintain his reputation, while she herself plans to feign affection for Belleroche to discard him.
Gender and Power Dynamics
Merteuil exercises power over men like Valmont and Belleroche, using her wit and social acumen to control relationships and outcomes.
Characters to notice
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Writes to Valmont, advising him to return to Paris to salvage his reputation; reveals her plan to discard Belleroche and pursue Danceny.
- Viscount de Valmont
Criticized for his absence and romantic pursuit of Tourvel; Merteuil mocks his lack of invention and urges him to return.
- Madame de Tourvel
Referenced as the object of Valmont's 'ridiculous adventure'; Merteuil suggests she may be congratulating herself for humbling him.
- Cecilia Volanges
Merteuil notes that Cecilia's letters show she still thinks of Danceny, not Valmont, and that Valmont only possesses her person.
- Chevalier Danceny
Merteuil reveals her interest in him as a potential lover, planning to seduce him away from Cecilia.
- Chevalier de Belleroche
Merteuil finds him insufferable and plans to break off with him by taking him to the country and overloading him with affection.
Key passages
“I think it time to inform you, Viscount, the world begin to talk of you. Your absence from Paris is remarked, and the cause guessed.”
Merteuil warns Valmont that people in Paris are gossiping about his absence and have guessed the reason.
Highlights the importance of public perception in aristocratic society.
“If you once lose the reputation of irresistible, you will soon more readily find resistance; your rivals will lose the respect they had for you, and will dare you.”
Merteuil argues that if Valmont's reputation as a seducer is damaged, his rivals will no longer fear him and will challenge him.
Emphasizes the theme of reputation and power in seduction.
“I cannot account for the reason, but since Prevan’s affair, Belleroche is become insupportable to me.”
Merteuil finds Belleroche unbearable after her affair with Prevan.
Shows Merteuil's fickleness and strategic approach to relationships.