# Letter 19: Cecilia Volanges to Chevalier Danceny explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## What happens

Cecilia writes to Danceny, reluctantly fulfilling her promise to reply to his letter. She expresses unease about their correspondence, fearing it may be discovered and cause her trouble, and asks him not to write again. She admits her sincerity and desire for their friendship to continue, but insists on no further letters.

## Themes in this chapter

### Innocence and Experience

Cecilia's naive sincerity and fear of blame highlight her innocence, contrasting with the experienced manipulations of other characters.

### Epistolary Form and Unreliable Truth

The letter reveals Cecilia's internal conflict and the constraints of epistolary communication, where her words may not fully convey her feelings.

## Character check-ins

### Cecilia Volanges

Writes reluctantly to Danceny, torn between her promise and fear of discovery.

### Chevalier Danceny

The recipient of Cecilia's letter; his melancholy prompts her to respond.

## Key lines

> You was so pensive, Sir, yesterday, and it gave me so much uneasiness to see you so, that I could not avoid promising to answer the letter you wrote me.

Your sadness yesterday troubled me so much that I felt compelled to promise a reply to your letter.

_Cecilia explains her motivation for writing, driven by concern for Danceny's mood._

> I now think it unbecoming; yet, as I promised, I will not break my word, a proof of the friendship I have for you.

I now believe it is improper, but I will keep my promise as a sign of my friendship.

_Cecilia acknowledges the impropriety of writing but prioritizes her word._

> I hope you will never more ask me to write to you again, or ever let anyone know I have wrote to you; for I should most certainly be blamed, and it might occasion me a deal of uneasiness.

I hope you will never again request a letter from me, nor reveal that I have written, as I would be blamed and greatly distressed.

_Cecilia fears the social consequences of their secret correspondence._

## Links

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