# Letter 125: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## What happens

Valmont triumphantly reports to Merteuil that he has finally seduced Madame de Tourvel. He describes his calculated seduction, his use of Father Anselmus as a mediator, and the scene in which he overcame her resistance. He reflects on the unexpected emotional impact of the conquest and resolves to maintain control.

## Themes in this chapter

### Seduction and Manipulation

Valmont meticulously plans and executes the seduction of Tourvel, treating it as a strategic campaign.

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

Valmont feigns repentance and despair to manipulate Tourvel, while his true intentions are predatory.

### Gender and Power Dynamics

Valmont's conquest reinforces his dominance over Tourvel, who is portrayed as weak and vulnerable despite her virtue.

## Character check-ins

### Viscount de Valmont

Narrates his successful seduction of Tourvel, analyzing his tactics and his own unexpected feelings.

### Madame de Tourvel

The object of Valmont's conquest; she resists but ultimately succumbs to his manipulation.

### Marchioness de Merteuil

The recipient of Valmont's letter; he shares his triumph and reflections with her.

### Father Anselmus

Used by Valmont as a mediator to gain access to Tourvel.

### M. de Tourvel

Tourvel's husband; his portrait in the room influences Valmont's choice of location for the seduction.

## Key lines

> At last this haughty woman is conquered, who dared think she could resist me. — She is mine — totally mine.

Valmont declares that he has finally overcome Tourvel's resistance and possesses her completely.

_Valmont's triumphant tone underscores his view of seduction as a victory._

> I forced the enemy to fight who was temporising. By skilful maneuvers, gained the advantage of the ground and dispositions; contrived to lull the enemy into security, to come up with him more easily in his retreat; struck him with terror before we engaged.

Valmont compares his seduction of Tourvel to a military campaign, emphasizing his strategic planning and execution.

_This metaphor reflects the libertine ethos of treating romantic conquests as battles._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-125-viscount-de-valmont-to-the-marchioness-de-merteuil
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters