Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 134: Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont explained
Merteuil writes to Valmont, accusing him of being in love with Madame de Tourvel despite his denials.
What happens
Merteuil writes to Valmont, accusing him of being in love with Madame de Tourvel despite his denials. She refuses his proposed scheme, insisting it is impossible, and outlines the sacrifices she would demand if she were to agree. She also mentions her lawsuit and the conclusion of her affair with Belleroche, expressing boredom and requesting detailed accounts of Valmont's activities.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Manipulation
Merteuil manipulates Valmont by analyzing his emotions and setting conditions for their relationship, demonstrating strategic control.
Love, Virtue, and Corruption
Merteuil argues that Valmont's feelings for Tourvel are genuine love, which contradicts his libertine persona and highlights the tension between love and corruption.
Gender and Power Dynamics
Merteuil asserts her power by dictating terms to Valmont, reversing typical gender roles in their manipulative relationship.
Characters to notice
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Author of the letter; she analyzes Valmont's feelings, refuses his plan, and discusses her lawsuit and the end of her affair with Belleroche.
- Viscount de Valmont
Recipient of the letter; Merteuil accuses him of being in love with Madame de Tourvel and critiques his proposed scheme.
- Madame de Tourvel
Mentioned as the object of Valmont's alleged love; Merteuil refers to her as 'rare' and 'astonishing.'
- Cecilia Volanges
Mentioned in the context of Valmont's offer to sacrifice her; Merteuil refuses this and demands he continue the affair.
- Chevalier de Belleroche
Merteuil mentions that her affair with him is finished and she will release him upon her return to town.
Key passages
“Upon my word, Viscount, you are exactly like the children, before whom one cannot speak a word, nor show a thing but they must have it immediately.”
Merteuil accuses Valmont of being impatient and childish, wanting everything he hears about immediately.
Merteuil criticizes Valmont's eagerness to act on her passing idea.
“It is love, or such a passion never had existence. You deny it in a hundred shapes; but you prove it in a thousand.”
Merteuil insists that Valmont's feelings for Tourvel are love, despite his denials, as his actions reveal the truth.
Merteuil diagnoses Valmont's emotional state, challenging his self-deception.
“I would, however, be obeyed, and my commands would be very severe.”
Merteuil states that if she were to agree to Valmont's scheme, she would impose strict conditions and demand obedience.
Merteuil outlines the power she would wield over Valmont in a hypothetical arrangement.