Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 20: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Viscount Valmont explained
Merteuil writes to Valmont, playfully forgiving his wheedling but imposing conditions for their renewed intimacy: he must first seduce Madame de Tourvel and provide written proof.
What happens
Merteuil writes to Valmont, playfully forgiving his wheedling but imposing conditions for their renewed intimacy: he must first seduce Madame de Tourvel and provide written proof. She also reveals her plan to corrupt Cecilia Volanges as revenge against Gercourt, noting the girl's budding love for Danceny.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Manipulation
Merteuil manipulates Valmont by setting conditions for their reunion and plans to corrupt Cecilia for revenge.
Revenge and Cruelty
Merteuil's scheme against Gercourt is driven by his past mistreatment of her, aiming to ruin his marriage.
Innocence and Experience
Cecilia's innocent love for Danceny is contrasted with Merteuil's plan to corrupt her into a 'fashionable woman.'
Characters to notice
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Writes to Valmont, setting terms for their relationship and plotting to corrupt Cecilia.
- Viscount de Valmont
Addressed by Merteuil; she demands he seduce Tourvel before she will take him back.
- Madame de Tourvel
Referenced as the 'lovely devotee' Valmont must conquer to earn Merteuil's favor.
- Cecilia Volanges
Merteuil describes her as a promising pupil, already in love with Danceny, whom she plans to corrupt.
- Chevalier Danceny
Mentioned as Cecilia's love interest, too timid to declare his passion.
- Count Gercourt
Target of Merteuil's revenge; she intends to give him a corrupted wife instead of an innocent one.
Key passages
“As soon as you have obtained your lovely devotee, and that you can produce your proofs, come, I am yours.”
Once you have seduced Madame de Tourvel and can provide written evidence, I will take you back.
Merteuil demands proof of Valmont's conquest before resuming their affair.
“I have in contemplation to employ that time effectually, and to give him a well trained wife, instead of an innocent convent pensioner.”
I plan to use the time before Gercourt returns to turn Cecilia into a worldly woman rather than the innocent girl he expects.
Merteuil's revenge involves corrupting Cecilia to spite Gercourt.