# Letter 119: Madame de Rosemonde to the Presidente de Tourvel explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## What happens

Madame de Rosemonde writes to Madame de Tourvel, reporting on her nephew Valmont's continued misanthropy and his unexpected attendance at mass in the chapel. She notes his altered appearance and her intention to investigate the cause of his strange behavior, which she suspects involves Tourvel.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

Valmont's sudden piety at mass contrasts with his known manipulative and libertine nature, suggesting a discrepancy between appearance and reality.

### Seduction and Manipulation

Rosemonde suspects Valmont's changed behavior is linked to Tourvel, hinting at ongoing emotional manipulation.

## Character check-ins

### Madame de Rosemonde

Writes to Tourvel about her health and Valmont's behavior.

### Madame de Tourvel

Recipient of the letter; Rosemonde shares observations about Valmont.

### Viscount de Valmont

Described as misanthropic, attending mass regularly, and appearing altered.

## Key lines

> My nephew still preserves his misanthropy: he sends every day regularly to enquire about my health; but has never come once in person, although I requested it; so that we see no more of him than if he was at Paris.

Valmont remains antisocial; he sends daily inquiries about my health but refuses to visit me in person, despite my requests, so we see as little of him as if he were in Paris.

_Rosemonde describes Valmont's avoidance of her despite his polite gestures._

> I will not conceal from you, he is something altered; but, my lovely dear, do not make me repent my confidence in your good sense, by your too great uneasiness; and be assured I would rather afflict than deceive you.

I admit he seems changed, but please don't let this worry you excessively; I prefer to cause you pain with the truth than to mislead you.

_Rosemonde warns Tourvel of Valmont's altered state while urging calm._

## Links

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