# Letter 162: Chevalier Danceny to the Viscount de Valmont explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## What happens

Chevalier Danceny, having discovered Valmont's betrayal and treachery, writes to challenge him to a duel. He expresses his wounded pride and anger at having been deceived, and demands satisfaction at the gate of the wood of Vincennes the following morning.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revenge and Cruelty

Danceny's challenge is driven by a desire for revenge and to restore his honor after Valmont's betrayal, highlighting the theme of retribution.

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

Danceny's blind confidence in Valmont is shattered, revealing the deceptive nature of their relationship and the contrast between appearance and reality.

## Character check-ins

### Chevalier Danceny

Writes a letter of challenge to Valmont, expressing his anger and wounded pride upon discovering Valmont's treachery.

### Viscount de Valmont

The recipient of the challenge; Danceny accuses him of basely sporting with him and bragging of his treachery.

## Key lines

> I am informed, Sir, of your behaviour towards me—I also know that after having basely sported with me, you have dared to applaud yourself and brag of it—

I have learned of how you treated me, and that you have shamelessly boasted about your deceit.

_Danceny confronts Valmont with his knowledge of the betrayal and Valmont's arrogant boasting._

> I am only curious to know, whether you will equally preserve them all over me—This I shall be informed of, if, as I hope, you will be tomorrow morning, between eight and nine, at the gate of the wood of Vincennes, village of St. Maude.

I want to see if you can maintain your superiority over me; we will find out if you meet me tomorrow morning at the appointed place.

_Danceny issues a formal challenge to a duel, setting the time and place for the confrontation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-162-chevalier-danceny-to-the-viscount-de-valmont
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