Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 159: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont explained
Merteuil writes a brief, scathing letter to Valmont, expressing her displeasure at his jesting tone and warning him that she prefers revenge to ridicule.
What happens
Merteuil writes a brief, scathing letter to Valmont, expressing her displeasure at his jesting tone and warning him that she prefers revenge to ridicule. She reminds him of past overconfidence and hints that his anticipated triumph may yet elude him.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Cruelty
Merteuil explicitly states her preference for revenge over ridicule, highlighting the theme of calculated cruelty.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Merteuil's warning about Valmont's self-congratulation underscores the gap between perceived success and actual outcome.
Characters to notice
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Author of the letter; expresses anger and a desire for revenge.
- Viscount de Valmont
Recipient; criticized for his jesting and overconfidence.
Key passages
“When I have cause of complaint against a person, I do not ridicule, I do better; I take revenge.”
When someone wrongs me, I don't mock them—I retaliate more effectively.
Merteuil asserts her preference for vengeance over mockery.
“do not forget it is not the first time you have applauded yourself beforehand; and singular, in the hope of a triumph that would escape from you, at the instant you was congratulating yourself on it.”
Remember, you've celebrated prematurely before, only to have victory slip away just as you were praising yourself.
Merteuil warns Valmont against overconfidence, recalling past failures.