Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 42: Viscount de Valmont to the Presidente de Tourvel explained
Valmont writes to Tourvel, agreeing to her conditions but requesting to know his accusers and asking for a final interview before his departure.
What happens
Valmont writes to Tourvel, agreeing to her conditions but requesting to know his accusers and asking for a final interview before his departure. He argues that absence will only increase his suffering and that a letter cannot replace a conversation. He manipulates her by portraying himself as a victim of her injustice, while hinting that he must wait for a pretext to leave Madame de Rosemonde's chateau.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Manipulation
Valmont employs rhetorical strategies of feigned obedience and emotional blackmail to pressure Tourvel into granting an interview, masking his true intentions.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Valmont presents himself as a suffering, obedient lover while actually scheming to maintain control and prolong his seduction, revealing the gap between his words and his true motives.
Characters to notice
- Viscount de Valmont
Writes a letter of feigned obedience and suffering, manipulating Tourvel with requests for an interview and the names of his accusers.
- Madame de Tourvel
The recipient of Valmont's letter; she has imposed conditions on him, and he seeks to guilt her into granting a meeting.
- Madame de Rosemonde
Mentioned as the hostess at whose chateau Valmont is staying; he uses her awareness of his visit as a reason to delay his departure.
Key passages
“Though the conditions you impose on me, Madam, are severe indeed, I shall not refuse to comply; for I perceive it is impossible for me to oppose any of your wishes.”
Even though your demands are harsh, I will obey them because I cannot resist your will.
Valmont uses exaggerated submission to manipulate Tourvel into feeling guilty and granting his requests.
“You banish me on the same principle that people turn their eyes from the miserable wretches they do not choose to relieve.”
You are sending me away just as people look away from the suffering they don't want to help.
Valmont compares himself to a pitiable outcast to evoke Tourvel's compassion and guilt.