Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 138: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil explained
Valmont writes to Merteuil insisting he is not in love with Madame de Tourvel, despite her accusations.
What happens
Valmont writes to Merteuil insisting he is not in love with Madame de Tourvel, despite her accusations. He describes a calculated test of his indifference: he abruptly left Tourvel to spend the night with the courtesan Emily, even encountering Tourvel's carriage while with Emily. Tourvel, having sent messengers to his home, discovers his absence and writes a severe letter breaking off relations. Valmont, however, interprets her tone as an opportunity to reconcile and plans to present himself to her immediately.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Manipulation
Valmont manipulates Tourvel's emotions by feigning indifference and planning a strategic reconciliation after provoking her jealousy.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Valmont maintains the appearance of a lover while secretly testing his own indifference, and Tourvel's severe letter masks her continued attachment.
Characters to notice
- Viscount de Valmont
Narrates the letter; defends his lack of love for Tourvel by recounting his night with Emily and his plan to reconcile with Tourvel.
- Marchioness de Merteuil
The recipient of the letter; Valmont addresses her accusations of his being in love.
- Madame de Tourvel
The 'tender prude' and 'austere devotee' who sends Valmont a severe rupture note after discovering his night with Emily.
- Emily
The courtesan with whom Valmont spends the night; she is amused by the encounter with Tourvel's carriage.
- Cecilia Volanges
Mentioned as the 'little Volanges' who is absent at a ball, leaving Valmont with free time.
Key passages
“I insist on it, my charming friend, I am not in love; and it is not my fault, if circumstances oblige me to play the character of a lover.”
Valmont firmly denies being in love, claiming that his actions are merely a role forced by circumstance.
This opening sets up Valmont's defense against Merteuil's accusations and his self-justification.
“I took a violent resolution; on a very slight pretence, I took leave, and left my fair one quite surprised, and doubtless more afflicted, while I quietly went to meet Emily at the opera.”
Valmont abruptly left Tourvel on a flimsy excuse to spend the night with Emily, testing his own indifference.
This action is the core of Valmont's 'proof' that he is not in love.
“I have already succeeded—I have received a second note, still very rigorous, and which confirms an everlasting rupture, as it ought to be—but the ton is not the same; I must not be seen again; this resolution is announced four times in the most irrevocable manner.”
Tourvel's second note insists on a permanent break, but its tone suggests she is not fully resolved, prompting Valmont to plan a personal visit.
Valmont reads between the lines of Tourvel's letter to find an opportunity for reconciliation.