Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 157: The Chevalier Danceny to the Viscount de Valmont explained
Danceny writes to Valmont, confessing his unwavering love for Cecilia despite a momentary distraction in another affair.
What happens
Danceny writes to Valmont, confessing his unwavering love for Cecilia despite a momentary distraction in another affair. He resolves to confess his fault to his other lover, hoping for forgiveness and reformation, and expresses gratitude to Valmont for his guidance. He also inquires about Valmont's pursuit of Madame de Tourvel, who remains ill and unyielding.
Themes in this chapter
Love, Virtue, and Corruption
Danceny's struggle between his love for Cecilia and his momentary infidelity, and his desire for reformation, explores the tension between virtuous love and moral lapse.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Danceny plans to hide his fault from Cecilia to avoid afflicting her, revealing a gap between his outward devotion and his actual actions.
Characters to notice
- Chevalier Danceny
Author of the letter; confesses his love for Cecilia and his momentary unfaithfulness, seeking to reform.
- Viscount de Valmont
Recipient of the letter; Danceny thanks him for guidance and inquires about his pursuit of Tourvel.
- Cecilia Volanges
Danceny's beloved; he wishes to spare her from pain and remains devoted to her.
- Madame de Tourvel
Mentioned as still inexorable and very ill; Danceny hopes for her recovery and reconciliation with Valmont.
Key passages
“Her openness, her tenderness, have fixed such a spell over me, that nothing can ever efface, although I have been weak enough to suffer a distraction.”
Cecilia's sincerity and affection have captivated me so completely that nothing can erase it, even though I was weak and allowed myself to be distracted by another.
Danceny acknowledges his infidelity while reaffirming his enduring love for Cecilia.
“I will go and accuse myself even to her who has been the cause and partner of my error—I will tell her; “read my heart; there you will see the tenderest friendship; friendship united to desire so much resembles love!””
I will confess to the woman who was involved in my mistake, explaining that what I feel for her is deep friendship mixed with desire, which closely resembles love.
Danceny plans to confess to his other lover, distinguishing his feelings as friendship rather than true love.