# Letter 129: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## What happens

Valmont defends himself against Merteuil's accusations of presumption and vanity, insisting his confidence is born of love and friendship. He dismisses her jealousy over his praise of other women, claiming his devotion to her remains supreme, and offers to abandon his current affairs at her command.

## Themes in this chapter

### Seduction and Manipulation

Valmont manipulates language to defend his behavior and reaffirm his control over Merteuil, using flattery and promises to maintain their alliance.

### Love, Virtue, and Corruption

Valmont's protestations of love are intertwined with his manipulative schemes, highlighting the corruption of genuine affection within their power games.

## Character check-ins

### Viscount de Valmont

Author of the letter; defends his actions and reaffirms his devotion to Merteuil.

### Marchioness de Merteuil

Recipient; Valmont addresses her accusations of presumption and jealousy.

### Madame de Tourvel

Mentioned as one of the women Valmont praised, but he insists Merteuil is preferred.

### Cecilia Volanges

Mentioned as a minor affair undertaken at Merteuil's request; Valmont dismisses her significance.

## Key lines

> What crime have I unintentionally committed which puts you so much out of temper?

Valmont asks what he did wrong to upset Merteuil.

_He feigns ignorance to deflect her criticism._

> I will fly to your feet—into your arms—and will prove a thousand times, and in a thousand ways, that you are, you ever will be, the only mistress of my heart.

Valmont promises to abandon everything and rush to Merteuil to prove his devotion.

_A dramatic pledge meant to soothe her jealousy and reassert his loyalty._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-129-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