Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 136: The Presidente de Tourvel to the Viscount de Valmont explained
Madame de Tourvel writes to Valmont after a painful encounter, demanding the return of her letters and accusing him of contempt and insult.
What happens
Madame de Tourvel writes to Valmont after a painful encounter, demanding the return of her letters and accusing him of contempt and insult. She acknowledges her own foolishness in trusting him but insists she did not deserve such cruel treatment, and she breaks off all future contact.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Manipulation
Tourvel reflects on being a victim of Valmont's infatuation and manipulation, acknowledging her misplaced trust.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Tourvel contrasts the public's judgment of the weak versus the depraved, highlighting the gap between her inner virtue and Valmont's outward charm.
Characters to notice
- Madame de Tourvel
Writes a letter of reproach and final separation, demanding her letters back and accusing Valmont of contempt.
- Viscount de Valmont
The recipient of the letter, accused of destroying her sentiment and exposing her to insult.
Key passages
“I own, I was very wrong in placing a confidence in you, of which so many before me have been victims; I accuse no one but myself”
I admit I was foolish to trust you, as many others have been, and I blame only myself.
Tourvel takes full responsibility for her misplaced trust, acknowledging Valmont's pattern of betrayal.
“I imagined, that making a sacrifice of everything, and giving up for you my pretensions to the esteem of others, as also my own, I might have expected not to be treated by you with more severity than by the public”
I thought that by sacrificing my reputation and self-respect for you, I would at least be treated no worse than the public would treat me.
Tourvel expresses her expectation of basic decency from Valmont, which he has failed to provide.