# Letter 153: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## What happens

Valmont writes to Merteuil, demanding she choose between renewing their romantic attachment or becoming enemies. He refuses to be deceived or swayed by her arguments, insisting on a clear yes or no. Merteuil replies at the bottom of the letter with a single word: 'War.'

## Themes in this chapter

### Seduction and Manipulation

Valmont attempts to manipulate Merteuil into a romantic reconciliation by threatening enmity, revealing the strategic use of emotional leverage.

### Revenge and Cruelty

The chapter culminates in Merteuil's declaration of war, setting the stage for mutual destruction and revenge.

### Gender and Power Dynamics

Valmont asserts dominance by demanding a binary choice, but Merteuil's terse reply asserts her own agency and power in the conflict.

## Character check-ins

### Viscount de Valmont

Writes an ultimatum to Merteuil, demanding she choose between love and enmity.

### Marchioness de Merteuil

Receives Valmont's ultimatum and responds with a declaration of war.

## Key lines

> I will either be your lover or your enemy.

Valmont gives Merteuil an ultimatum: either they become lovers again or they become adversaries.

_This line encapsulates the central conflict of the chapter, forcing a decisive break in their relationship._

> War, then.

Merteuil chooses enmity over reconciliation, declaring open conflict.

_Her brief reply signals the beginning of a vengeful and destructive phase in their relationship._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-153-viscount-de-valmont-to-the-marchioness-de-merteuil
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters