Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 37: The Presidente de Tourvel to Madame de Volanges explained
Madame de Tourvel responds to Madame de Volanges's warnings about Valmont, acknowledging his potential danger but expressing reluctance to leave the chateau or directly ask his aunt to send him away.
What happens
Madame de Tourvel responds to Madame de Volanges's warnings about Valmont, acknowledging his potential danger but expressing reluctance to leave the chateau or directly ask his aunt to send him away. She proposes instead to persuade Valmont to leave voluntarily, and promises to depart herself if he refuses.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Manipulation
Tourvel acknowledges Valmont's dangerous reputation and his ability to assume a false character, yet she is drawn into his web by his apparent virtue.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Tourvel struggles to reconcile Valmont's charming behavior with the warnings about his true nature, illustrating the theme of deceptive appearances.
Characters to notice
- Madame de Tourvel
Writes to Madame de Volanges, defending her cautious approach to Valmont and outlining her plan to request his departure.
- Madame de Volanges
Recipient of the letter; her advice and warnings about Valmont are acknowledged by Tourvel.
- Viscount de Valmont
Discussed as the subject of concern; Tourvel hopes to persuade him to leave the chateau.
- Madame de Rosemonde
Mentioned as Valmont's aunt and Tourvel's friend; Tourvel considers it impossible to ask her to send Valmont away.
- M. de Tourvel
Referenced as a reason Tourvel cannot easily leave the chateau.
Key passages
“I submit, Madam, to the sympathetic voice of friendship. Long accustomed to have a deference to your advice, I am led to believe it always founded in reason.”
I trust your friendship and usually follow your advice because I believe it is reasonable.
Tourvel opens by affirming her respect for Madame de Volanges's counsel.
“I will even acknowledge that Mr. de Valmont must be exceedingly dangerous indeed, if he can assume the character he puts on here, and be the man you represent him.”
I admit that Valmont must be very dangerous if he can pretend to be so virtuous while actually being the villain you describe.
Tourvel concedes the possibility that Valmont is deceptive.
“I have, then, no other resource left but to prevail on him to leave this place.”
My only option is to convince him to leave on his own.
Tourvel decides to ask Valmont to depart rather than leaving herself or involving his aunt.