Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 16: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay explained
Cecilia writes to Sophia about receiving a love letter from Chevalier Danceny hidden in her harpsichord.
What happens
Cecilia writes to Sophia about receiving a love letter from Chevalier Danceny hidden in her harpsichord. She is torn between her desire to respond and her fear of doing something wrong, and considers seeking advice from Madame de Merteuil.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Experience
Cecilia's naive excitement and moral confusion over Danceny's letter highlight her innocence as she teeters on the edge of romantic experience.
Seduction and Manipulation
Danceny's secret letter and emotional pressure represent a subtle seduction, exploiting Cecilia's tender feelings and inexperience.
Characters to notice
- Cecilia Volanges
The letter's author; excited and conflicted after discovering Danceny's hidden letter.
- Sophia Carnay
Cecilia's confidante, to whom she pours out her feelings and seeks advice.
- Chevalier Danceny
The sender of the secret letter; described as melancholy and insistent on a reply.
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Cecilia considers confiding in her for guidance on whether to answer Danceny's letter.
Key passages
“I found hid among the strings an unsealed letter from him.”
I discovered a letter from him hidden among the strings of my harpsichord.
Cecilia describes finding Danceny's secret letter.
“I read it over four times running, and then locked it in my desk.”
I read it four times in a row before locking it away.
Cecilia's obsessive rereading shows her infatuation.
“I have a great mind to tell Madame de Merteuil, who has a great affection for me.”
I am strongly considering telling Madame de Merteuil, who is very fond of me.
Cecilia thinks of confiding in Merteuil for advice.