Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 168: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde explained
Madame de Volanges writes to Madame de Rosemonde about alarming rumors spreading in Paris concerning Madame de Merteuil.
What happens
Madame de Volanges writes to Madame de Rosemonde about alarming rumors spreading in Paris concerning Madame de Merteuil. The rumors claim that Merteuil manipulated Valmont and Danceny into their quarrel, and that Valmont left behind a correspondence exposing her scandalous behavior. Volanges expresses disbelief and seeks clarification from Rosemonde, while noting that Merteuil has left Paris unexpectedly and that Danceny has also disappeared.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Madame de Volanges struggles to reconcile the shocking rumors with her perception of Merteuil's public persona, highlighting the gap between appearance and truth.
Epistolary Form and Unreliable Truth
The letter discusses the power of written correspondence—Valmont's alleged letters—to expose hidden truths, while Volanges herself questions the reliability of the rumors.
Characters to notice
- Madame de Volanges
Writes to Rosemonde, alarmed by rumors about Merteuil and seeking information.
- Madame de Rosemonde
Recipient of the letter; Volanges asks her for clarification on the rumors.
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Subject of the spreading rumors; has left Paris unexpectedly for the country.
- Viscount de Valmont
Deceased; rumored to have left letters exposing Merteuil's conduct.
- Chevalier Danceny
Rumored to have received Valmont's letters and to have left Paris secretly.
Key passages
“There are, my dear and worthy friend, the strangest and most sad reports spread here, on account of Madam de Merteuil.”
My dear friend, terrible and shocking rumors about Madame de Merteuil are circulating in Paris.
Volanges opens the letter expressing distress over the rumors.
“It is said the quarrel between M. de Valmont and Chevalier Danceny, is the work of Madame de Merteuil, who deceived them both.”
People claim that Madame de Merteuil caused the fight between Valmont and Danceny by tricking both of them.
Volanges relays the core accusation against Merteuil.
“I have fortunately the strongest reasons to believe those imputations as false as they are odious.”
Fortunately, I have very good reasons to think these accusations are both false and hateful.
Volanges expresses her disbelief in the rumors.