Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 14: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay explained
Cecilia writes to Sophia about her mother's illness, her disappointment at missing the opera and Chevalier Danceny, and her growing vanity and self-consciousness about her appearance, influenced by Madame de Merteuil's flattery.
What happens
Cecilia writes to Sophia about her mother's illness, her disappointment at missing the opera and Chevalier Danceny, and her growing vanity and self-consciousness about her appearance, influenced by Madame de Merteuil's flattery.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Experience
Cecilia's naive self-awareness about becoming a coquette and her confusion about her own feelings highlight her transition from innocence to worldly concerns.
Seduction and Manipulation
Madame de Merteuil's flattery about Danceny's preference subtly manipulates Cecilia's emotions and vanity.
Characters to notice
- Cecilia Volanges
Narrates the letter; expresses frustration at being kept from the opera and Danceny, and reveals her increasing concern with her looks.
- Sophia Carnay
Recipient of the letter; Cecilia's confidante.
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Mentioned as the one who was to take Cecilia to the opera and who flatters Cecilia about Danceny's preference.
- Chevalier Danceny
Mentioned as the person Cecilia loves and was hoping to see at the opera.
- Madame de Volanges
Cecilia's mother, who was indisposed and kept Cecilia at home.
Key passages
“I really believe our mother Abbess was right, that one becomes a coquet on entering into life.”
Cecilia reflects that the Abbess's warning about becoming vain and flirtatious in society seems to be coming true.
Shows Cecilia's self-awareness of her growing vanity.
“I never had so strong a desire to be handsome, as for some days past, and I think I am not so handsome as I thought; in women's company that paint, one looks much worse”
Cecilia admits she now cares more about her appearance and feels less attractive compared to women who wear makeup.
Highlights Cecilia's insecurity and the influence of social comparison.