# Letter 149: 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 writes to Madame de Rosemonde about the deteriorating condition of Madame de Tourvel. After a brief moment of lucidity in which Tourvel confesses her misfortunes, she relapses into frenzy upon receiving a letter from Valmont, leading to convulsions and a hopeless prognosis.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love, Virtue, and Corruption

Tourvel's virtue and religious faith are overwhelmed by the corrupting influence of Valmont's letter, leading to her physical and mental collapse.

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

The calm appearance of Tourvel's lucid moments contrasts with the inner turmoil and eventual violent frenzy caused by Valmont's correspondence.

## Character check-ins

### Madame de Volanges

Narrates the letter, describes Tourvel's condition and her own emotional response.

### Madame de Tourvel

The patient, briefly lucid then relapses into frenzy after receiving a letter from Valmont.

### Madame de Rosemonde

Recipient of the letter, already aware of Tourvel's misfortunes.

### Father Anselmus

Called to provide religious counsel; recommends postponing sacraments.

### Viscount de Valmont

Implied as the sender of the letter that triggers Tourvel's relapse.

## Key lines

> I was in hopes almost all day yesterday, to have been able to give you, my worthy friend, this morning, a more favourable account of our dear patient; but since last night, that hope is utterly destroyed.

Madame de Volanges had hoped to report improvement but now confirms Tourvel's condition has worsened.

_Opening lines set the tone of despair and urgency._

> She questioned me very minutely on everything that happened to her since she came to the convent, which she did not remember.

Tourvel, in a moment of lucidity, had no memory of her time at the convent and asked for details.

_Highlights Tourvel's temporary return to reason and her amnesia._

> The moment she cast her eyes on it, she exclaimed, 'Good God! from him!' and then in a strong and oppressed tone of voice, 'Take it, take it.'

Upon seeing the letter, Tourvel recognized it was from Valmont and immediately rejected it in distress.

_Key moment showing the traumatic impact of Valmont's communication._

## Links

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