# Letter 164: Madame de Rosemonde to M. Bertrand explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## What happens

Madame de Rosemonde responds to the news of her nephew Valmont's death in a duel with Danceny. She instructs M. Bertrand to initiate legal proceedings against Danceny, viewing the challenge as proof of aggression. She seeks to avenge Valmont's death on grounds of religion and humanity, and asks Bertrand to consult with the President before acting.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revenge and Cruelty

Madame de Rosemonde's call for legal vengeance against Danceny reflects the theme of retribution, even as she invokes religion and humanity.

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

She claims to forgive but immediately orders prosecution, highlighting the tension between Christian forgiveness and societal expectations of honor.

## Character check-ins

### Madame de Rosemonde

Grieving aunt of Valmont, she writes to M. Bertrand to order a prosecution against Danceny.

### M. Bertrand

Valmont's steward, recipient of the letter; praised for his conduct and entrusted with legal action.

### Chevalier Danceny

Identified as the aggressor and murderer in the duel; Madame de Rosemonde seeks prosecution against him.

### Viscount de Valmont

Deceased nephew; his death is the subject of the letter, and his memory is to be avenged.

## Key lines

> I this instant received your letter, my dear Bertrand, informing me of the shocking event, to which my nephew is become the unhappy victim

I have just received your letter telling me of the terrible event that has made my nephew a victim.

_Madame de Rosemonde acknowledges the news of Valmont's death._

> M. Danceny’s challenge, which you sent me, is a convincing proof he was the aggressor; my intention therefore is, you should commence a prosecution in my name

The challenge from Danceny proves he started the fight, so I want you to start a legal case in my name.

_She uses the challenge as evidence to justify legal action against Danceny._

> One cannot excite too much the severity of the laws against those remains of barbarism which still infect our morals

We cannot be too harsh in applying the law to these barbaric practices that still corrupt our society.

_She condemns dueling as a barbaric remnant in society._

## Links

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