Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 147: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde explained
Madame de Volanges reports to Madame de Rosemonde on Madame de Tourvel's alarming mental and physical collapse.
What happens
Madame de Volanges reports to Madame de Rosemonde on Madame de Tourvel's alarming mental and physical collapse. After entering a convent and refusing all medical treatment, Tourvel alternates between violent delirium and lethargic stupor, uttering cryptic phrases that suggest a deeper cause for her breakdown.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Experience
Tourvel's retreat to the convent and her cry 'I die for not having taken your advice' reflect the devastating loss of innocence and the harsh consequences of her experience with Valmont.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Tourvel's composed exterior at the convent contrasts sharply with her inner turmoil and violent madness, underscoring the gap between appearance and reality.
Characters to notice
- Madame de Volanges
Writes to inform Madame de Rosemonde of Tourvel's deteriorating condition and stays by Tourvel's bedside.
- Madame de Tourvel
Suffers from violent delirium, refuses remedies, and has secluded herself in a convent, expressing a desire to die.
- Madame de Rosemonde
Recipient of the letter; is being kept informed of Tourvel's crisis.
- Julie
Tourvel's waiting maid who witnesses her mistress's erratic behavior and provides key details of the night's events.
Key passages
“I die for not having taken your advice”
I am dying because I ignored your warnings.
Tourvel's lament to Madame de Volanges, suggesting regret over her involvement with Valmont.
“Leave me alone! Let me be left in darkness! It is darkness alone suits me!”
Do not disturb me; I want only solitude and obscurity.
A recurring phrase during Tourvel's delirium, symbolizing her desire to escape from reality and shame.