# Letter 17: The Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## What happens

Danceny writes to Cecilia, declaring his love and asking for her indulgence. He argues that his feelings are pure and chaste, born from her own qualities, and pleads for an answer, suggesting a safe means of correspondence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Innocence and Experience

Danceny's letter embodies youthful innocence and idealistic love, contrasting with the manipulative schemes of other characters.

### Epistolary Form and Unreliable Truth

The letter is a direct expression of Danceny's feelings, but the epistolary form raises questions about sincerity and the reliability of written declarations.

## Character check-ins

### Chevalier Danceny

Writes a passionate and respectful love letter to Cecilia, declaring his sentiments for the first time.

### Cecilia Volanges

The recipient of Danceny's declaration; he credits her with inspiring his feelings and asks for her reply.

## Key lines

> I have nothing to say that my looks, my confusion, my conduct, and even my silence, have not already told you!

My feelings have been obvious through my behavior and expressions, even without words.

_Danceny asserts that his love has been evident all along._

> Be the arbitress of my fate, you can make me happy or miserable forever; into what dearer hands can I commit such a trust?

You hold the power to determine my happiness or despair, and I entrust that power to no one else.

_Danceny places Cecilia in a position of absolute control over his emotional well-being._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-17-the-chevalier-danceny-to-cecilia-volanges
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters