Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 158: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil explained
Valmont writes to Merteuil with mocking congratulations on her night with Danceny, revealing that he orchestrated the affair by dictating a letter from Cecilia to Danceny and sacrificing his own time with her.
What happens
Valmont writes to Merteuil with mocking congratulations on her night with Danceny, revealing that he orchestrated the affair by dictating a letter from Cecilia to Danceny and sacrificing his own time with her. He boasts of his manipulation and warns Merteuil of the dangers of young lovers, while asserting his value as a friend rather than an enemy.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Manipulation
Valmont orchestrates Danceny's night with Merteuil and dictates Cecilia's letter, showcasing his control over the characters' relationships.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Valmont presents himself as a friend while secretly manipulating events, and Danceny's apparent constancy is revealed as easily swayed.
Characters to notice
- Viscount de Valmont
Author of the letter; boasts of manipulating Danceny and Cecilia for Merteuil's benefit.
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Valmont alludes to her night with Danceny and her coquetry.
- Chevalier Danceny
Described as a charming prodigy; Valmont claims he proved his constancy by being easily manipulated.
- Cecilia Volanges
Mentioned as Danceny's beloved; Valmont dictated a letter from her to Danceny.
Key passages
“You must acknowledge Danceny is a charming fellow! That lad is a prodigy!”
Valmont sarcastically praises Danceny's performance with Merteuil.
Valmont uses mock admiration to taunt Merteuil about her affair.
“The letter the young creature wrote him, I dictated; but it was only to gain a little time, as we could employ it to so much better purpose.”
Valmont admits he dictated Cecilia's letter to Danceny to buy time for his own schemes.
Highlights Valmont's manipulation of both Cecilia and Danceny.
“I hope that in reading what he pleases, you will also perhaps read, that such young lovers are dangerous—and also, that it is better to have me for a friend than an enemy.”
Valmont warns Merteuil that young lovers are risky and implies she should value his alliance.
Valmont asserts his power and warns against crossing him.