# Letter 14: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-14-cecilia-volanges-to-sophia-carnay
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters