Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 24: Viscount Valmont to the Presidente de Tourvel explained
Valmont writes a passionate and manipulative letter to Madame de Tourvel, expressing his torment over her coldness and pleading for her compassion and guidance, while accusing her of lacking pity and sensibility.
What happens
Valmont writes a passionate and manipulative letter to Madame de Tourvel, expressing his torment over her coldness and pleading for her compassion and guidance, while accusing her of lacking pity and sensibility.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Manipulation
Valmont uses feigned despair and self-deprecation to elicit pity and compliance from Tourvel.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Valmont claims to be reformed and respectful while secretly pursuing seduction, contrasting his words with his true intentions.
Characters to notice
- Viscount de Valmont
Author of the letter; expresses despair and love, manipulates Tourvel with emotional pleas.
- Madame de Tourvel
Recipient; accused of cruelty and lack of pity, called upon to guide Valmont's passion.
Key passages
“Had I been content with silently adoring you, I should at least have the pleasure that ever attends even secretly harbouring that passion”
If I had kept my love hidden, I would still enjoy the simple happiness of loving you in secret.
Valmont romanticizes silent adoration to contrast with his current 'torment' and guilt-trip Tourvel.
“I recant my reproaches; I may have been led to write them, but never seriously believed them.”
I take back my accusations; I wrote them in distress but do not truly think them.
Valmont retracts his blame to appear reasonable and regain Tourvel's trust.