Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 144: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil explained
Valmont reports to Merteuil that Madame de Tourvel has entered a convent, a move he interprets as a testament to his power over her.
What happens
Valmont reports to Merteuil that Madame de Tourvel has entered a convent, a move he interprets as a testament to his power over her. He boasts of his triumph and considers the possibility of rekindling the affair for further sport. He also updates Merteuil on Cecilia's recovery and Danceny's renewed attentions, and expresses his intention to eventually hand Cecilia over to Danceny after his own amusement is complete.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Manipulation
Valmont revels in his successful seduction and abandonment of Tourvel, and plans further manipulation of Cecilia and Danceny.
Revenge and Cruelty
Valmont takes pride in Tourvel's suffering and views her retreat as a trophy, demonstrating his cruel delight in psychological domination.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Valmont presents himself as a conqueror while Tourvel's piety masks her emotional devastation; Danceny's joy is based on a false reality.
Characters to notice
- Viscount de Valmont
Valmont writes to Merteuil, gloating over Tourvel's retreat to a convent and planning further manipulations.
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Valmont addresses Merteuil as his confidante and co-conspirator, seeking her return and approval.
- Madame de Tourvel
Tourvel has entered a convent, an act Valmont interprets as a sign of his lasting influence over her.
- Cecilia Volanges
Cecilia has recovered from her illness and is visited by Danceny; Valmont plans to use her further.
- Chevalier Danceny
Danceny is overjoyed at Cecilia's recovery and has been permitted to visit her again, unaware of Valmont's schemes.
Key passages
“The convent is the only asylum for a widow; and if she persists in so laudable a resolution, I shall add to all the obligations I already lay under, the celebrity this adventure will now have.”
Valmont cynically praises Tourvel's choice to enter a convent, seeing it as a boost to his own reputation.
Valmont's narcissism and lack of empathy are evident as he treats Tourvel's retreat as a personal triumph.
“I am determined to give her up to him as soon as I have made my trial. I will devote myself entirely to you; moreover, I don’t see it would be worth while your pupil should be my scholar, if she had only a husband to deceive. The chef d’oeuvre is to deceive the lover! and the first lover too!”
Valmont plans to seduce Cecilia and then hand her over to Danceny, considering the ultimate achievement to be deceiving a lover rather than just a husband.
Valmont's manipulative and competitive nature is highlighted, as he seeks to corrupt even the innocence of first love.