Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 175: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde explained
Madame de Volanges informs Madame de Rosemonde of Madame de Merteuil's final fate: she has recovered from smallpox but is horribly disfigured and has lost an eye, lost her lawsuit, fled to Holland with diamonds and valuables, leaving behind
What happens
Madame de Volanges informs Madame de Rosemonde of Madame de Merteuil's final fate: she has recovered from smallpox but is horribly disfigured and has lost an eye, lost her lawsuit, fled to Holland with diamonds and valuables, leaving behind debts. Meanwhile, Madame de Volanges prepares for her daughter Cecilia to take the novice habit, lamenting the ruinous consequences of seduction and the silence of her friend.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Merteuil's outward beauty and social standing are destroyed by disease and scandal, revealing her inner corruption; the Marquis's remark that 'her disorder had turned her inside out' underscores the theme.
Revenge and Cruelty
The public glee at Merteuil's downfall and the sarcastic remarks about her disfigurement reflect the cruel satisfaction of her enemies.
Characters to notice
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Recovered from smallpox but disfigured and blind in one eye; lost her lawsuit, fled to Holland with stolen diamonds and valuables, leaving debts.
- Madame de Volanges
Narrates the letter; prepares for her daughter Cecilia to become a novice; reflects on the misfortunes caused by dangerous connections.
- Cecilia Volanges
About to put on the habit of novice; her mother laments her culpability and the necessity of this sacrifice.
- Chevalier Danceny
Has left Paris about a fortnight ago, reportedly to settle in Malta; Madame de Volanges wonders if it is too late to prevent him.
- Madame de Rosemonde
Recipient of the letter; Madame de Volanges appeals to her for understanding and silence.
Key passages
“her disorder had turned her inside out; that now her mind was painted on her countenance.”
Her illness has revealed her true character, making her inner wickedness visible on her face.
The Marquis's witticism encapsulates the theme of appearance versus reality.
“Where is the woman who would not fly the first advances of a seducer? What mother would not tremble to see any other but herself speak to her daughter?”
Every woman should flee from a seducer's first approach, and every mother should fear anyone else speaking privately to her daughter.
Madame de Volanges reflects on the universal lessons of the tragedy.