Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 35: Viscount Valmont to the Presidente de Tourvel explained
Valmont responds to Tourvel's command that he be silent and forget her, professing his submission and love while demanding to know the names of those who have slandered him.
What happens
Valmont responds to Tourvel's command that he be silent and forget her, professing his submission and love while demanding to know the names of those who have slandered him. He insists on his right to justify himself and reclaim her esteem, and expresses a desire to serve her, though he clings to her letter as evidence of her true disposition.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Manipulation
Valmont's letter is a calculated blend of submission and accusation, designed to manipulate Tourvel's emotions and regain her trust.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Valmont presents himself as a victim of slander and a devoted lover, while his true intentions are to control and seduce Tourvel.
Characters to notice
- Viscount de Valmont
Writes a letter of submission and defiance to Tourvel, professing his love while demanding to know his accusers.
- Madame de Tourvel
The recipient of Valmont's letter, who has commanded him to be silent and forget her, and who has been influenced by others against him.
Key passages
“You command me to be silent, and to forget you. Well, I shall constrain my love to be silent, and, if possible, I shall forget the cruel manner in which it has been received.”
You order me to stop speaking and to forget you. I will try to silence my love and, if I can, forget how harshly you have treated me.
Valmont feigns obedience while subtly reproaching Tourvel for her cruelty.
“You inform me, Madam, that some persons have endeavoured to prejudice me in your esteem. If you had given credit to the advice of your friends, you would not have even suffered me to approach you.”
You tell me that some people have tried to turn you against me. If you had believed your friends, you would never have let me near you.
Valmont challenges Tourvel's reliance on the opinions of others, demanding to know his accusers.