# Letter 147: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters