# Letter 16: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-16-cecilia-volanges-to-sophia-carnay
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters