# Letter 24: Viscount Valmont to the Presidente de Tourvel explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-24-viscount-valmont-to-the-presidente-de-tourvel
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters