Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 116: Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges explained
Danceny writes to Cecilia, lamenting Madame de Merteuil's departure to the country and expressing his deep affection for both Cecilia and Merteuil.
What happens
Danceny writes to Cecilia, lamenting Madame de Merteuil's departure to the country and expressing his deep affection for both Cecilia and Merteuil. He wishes Cecilia would share his friendship with Merteuil and bemoans the obstacles keeping them apart, feeling dejected and longing for their reunion.
Themes in this chapter
Love, Virtue, and Corruption
Danceny's idealized love for Cecilia is contrasted with his naive trust in Merteuil, who is secretly manipulating him.
Epistolary Form and Unreliable Truth
Danceny's letter reveals his sincere emotions, but his perception of Merteuil as a 'mutual friend' is ironic given her true intentions, highlighting the unreliable nature of epistolary accounts.
Characters to notice
- Chevalier Danceny
Writes a letter to Cecilia expressing his sorrow over Merteuil's departure and his longing for Cecilia.
- Cecilia Volanges
The recipient of Danceny's letter; he expresses his love and frustration over their separation.
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Has left for the country; Danceny describes her as a mutual friend and an amiable woman who loves Cecilia.
Key passages
“Madame de Merteuil set out this morning for the country; thus am I deprived, my charming Cecilia; of my only remaining consolation in your absence, of conversing of you with our mutual friend”
Madame de Merteuil left for the country this morning, so I have lost my only comfort in your absence—talking about you with our mutual friend.
Danceny expresses his loneliness and reliance on Merteuil as a confidante.
“You cannot imagine how much she loves you; how pleased she is to hear me speak of you: it is this certainly that attaches me so much to her.”
You have no idea how much she adores you and how happy she is when I talk about you; that is what makes me so fond of her.
Danceny naively believes Merteuil's affection for Cecilia is genuine.