# Letter 20: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Viscount Valmont explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## 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.'

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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