Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 25: Viscount Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil explained
Valmont reports to Merteuil on his visit to Madame de Tourvel at Madame de Rosemonde's chateau.
What happens
Valmont reports to Merteuil on his visit to Madame de Tourvel at Madame de Rosemonde's chateau. He describes his attempts to deliver a letter and feel her pulse, her resistance, and her eventual admission that she has written to him. He sends Merteuil both his letter and Tourvel's reply, expressing frustration at her feigned indifference and vowing revenge.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Manipulation
Valmont's calculated visit, his physical advances under the guise of medical concern, and his strategic use of letters exemplify his manipulative seduction of Tourvel.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Tourvel feigns illness and indifference while secretly writing to Valmont; Valmont feigns melancholy and concern while plotting revenge.
Gender and Power Dynamics
Valmont uses his social position and physical touch to assert dominance over Tourvel, who must navigate her reputation and her own desires within the constraints of her gender.
Characters to notice
- Viscount de Valmont
Narrates his visit to Tourvel, describing his manipulative tactics and frustration at her resistance.
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of Valmont's letter; he shares his progress and seeks her opinion.
- Madame de Tourvel
The 'fair pretended invalid' who refuses Valmont's letter initially but later admits she has written to him.
- Madame de Rosemonde
Hosts the visit and inadvertently aids Valmont's scheme by suggesting he feel Tourvel's pulse.
- Cecilia Volanges
Mentioned briefly as 'little Volanges,' to be discussed later.
Key passages
“I seized an opportunity, whilst Madame de Rosemonde was at a distance, to present my letter; it was refused, but I left it on the bed”
When Madame de Rosemonde was not looking, Valmont offered Tourvel his letter; she refused it, but he placed it on her bed anyway.
Demonstrates Valmont's persistence and disregard for Tourvel's boundaries.
“I took her by the hand, which I squeezed in one of mine, whilst, with the other, I ran over her smooth delicate arm”
Valmont held Tourvel's hand firmly and stroked her arm under the pretense of checking her pulse.
Highlights Valmont's invasive physicality and the power imbalance in their interaction.
“observe with what egregious falsity she protests she is not in love, when I am certain of the contrary”
Valmont notes Tourvel's hypocritical denial of love, which he believes is false.
Reveals Valmont's confidence in his seduction and his contempt for Tourvel's attempts at resistance.