# Letter 32: Madame de Volanges to the Presidente de Tourvel explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## What happens

Madame de Volanges warns Madame de Tourvel against associating with Valmont, arguing that even a single good deed does not erase a lifetime of vice. She defends her own caution and critiques society's inconsistent acceptance of Valmont, urging Tourvel to prioritize reputation and prudence over virtue's confidence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

Volanges critiques society's inconsistency in accepting Valmont while condemning him, and warns Tourvel that even innocent association can appear compromising.

### Class and Social Standing

Volanges emphasizes the importance of public esteem and the social consequences of losing it, highlighting how class and reputation govern behavior.

### Gender and Power Dynamics

The letter underscores the vulnerability of women like Tourvel, whose virtue is judged more harshly than men's, and the power of male libertines like Valmont to manipulate social perception.

## Character check-ins

### Madame de Volanges

Writes a cautionary letter to Tourvel, expressing deep concern over Valmont's influence and defending her own cautious stance.

### Madame de Tourvel

The recipient of the letter; Volanges appeals to her friendship and warns her against the dangers of associating with Valmont.

### Viscount de Valmont

Subject of Volanges' criticism; she describes him as a dangerous seducer who uses praise and ridicule to manipulate society.

### Marchioness de Merteuil

Mentioned as a counterexample; Volanges notes Merteuil's own caution and agreement that Valmont is a risky connection.

## Key lines

> Human nature is not perfect in any shape, neither in good nor evil. The profligate wretch has his virtues as well as the virtuous man his weaknesses.

No one is entirely good or bad; even a wicked person can have good qualities, and a virtuous person can have flaws.

_Volanges introduces a moral nuance to argue that Valmont's one good deed does not redeem his overall character._

> God alone can absolve at the moment of repentance; he is the searcher of hearts; but men can judge only by actions.

Only God can forgive based on inner repentance; humans must judge based on outward behavior.

_Volanges justifies society's right to condemn Valmont despite any possible reformation._

> No one, after having lost the esteem of the world, has a right to complain of diffidence, which makes this loss so difficult to be repaired.

Once someone loses public respect, they cannot complain about others' distrust, since regaining that respect is very hard.

_Volanges emphasizes the lasting damage of a ruined reputation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-32-madame-de-volanges-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