# Letter 145: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## What happens

Merteuil writes to Valmont, mocking his supposed abandonment of Madame de Tourvel and revealing that she orchestrated the letter Valmont sent to Tourvel. She accuses Valmont of still loving Tourvel but sacrificing her out of vanity. Merteuil refuses Valmont's hinted desire to reconcile with Tourvel, asserting her revenge is final. She also discusses Cecilia Volanges's situation, suggesting they decide her fate together upon Merteuil's return to Paris.

## Themes in this chapter

### Seduction and Manipulation

Merteuil manipulates Valmont's actions and emotions, using a forged letter to destroy his relationship with Tourvel and asserting control over his future choices.

### Revenge and Cruelty

Merteuil revels in her revenge against Tourvel as a rival, and takes pleasure in outmaneuvering Valmont, demonstrating her cruelty.

## Character check-ins

### Marchioness de Merteuil

Author of the letter; she taunts Valmont, claims credit for the letter sent to Tourvel, and asserts her control over the situation.

### Viscount de Valmont

Recipient of the letter; Merteuil accuses him of still loving Tourvel and of being driven by vanity.

### Madame de Tourvel

Referenced as the woman Valmont supposedly abandoned; Merteuil considers her a rival and gloats over her defeat.

### Cecilia Volanges

Mentioned in the context of her health and the decision about her future with Danceny or Gercourt.

## Key lines

> Yes, Viscount, you loved Madame de Tourvel much, and you still love her; you love her to distraction: but because I made you ashamed, by way of amusement, you nobly sacrifice her.

Merteuil accuses Valmont of still being in love with Tourvel but abandoning her only to avoid being mocked.

_Highlights Merteuil's psychological insight and manipulation._

> When I struck this one, or rather directed the blow, I did not forget she was my rival, that you had for a moment preferred her to me, placed me beneath her.

Merteuil admits her revenge is motivated by jealousy over Valmont's past preference for Tourvel.

_Reveals Merteuil's personal stake in the destruction of Tourvel._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-145-the-marchioness-de-merteuil-to-the-viscount-de-valmont
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters