Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 43: The Presidente de Tourvel to the Viscount de Valmont explained
Madame de Tourvel responds to Valmont's requests, refusing to reveal the names of her friends who spoke of him and declining to enter into a correspondence with him.
What happens
Madame de Tourvel responds to Valmont's requests, refusing to reveal the names of her friends who spoke of him and declining to enter into a correspondence with him. She insists that his only path to her gratitude is to leave immediately, as he promised, and rejects his request for a final interview.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Manipulation
Valmont's requests for names and correspondence are part of his manipulative strategy to draw Tourvel into a compromising relationship, which she resists by asserting her virtue.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Tourvel acknowledges that what would be 'candour with anyone else, becomes imprudence with you,' highlighting the double standard and the need to conceal her actions to maintain her virtuous appearance.
Characters to notice
- Madame de Tourvel
Writes to Valmont, defending her refusal to betray her friends' names and to correspond with him, while urging him to depart.
- Viscount de Valmont
Addressee of the letter; Tourvel accuses him of bargaining for her gratitude and of breaking his promise to announce his departure.
Key passages
“Why, Sir, do you endeavour at a diminution of my gratitude to you? Why obey me only by halves, and in some measure make a bargain of a simple, genteel act?”
Why are you trying to reduce my gratitude by obeying me only partially, as if a kind act must be traded for something in return?
Tourvel accuses Valmont of turning his compliance into a negotiation, undermining the sincerity of his gesture.
“What would have been only candour with anyone else, becomes imprudence with you, and would be a crime was I to attend to your request.”
What would be simple honesty with another person becomes reckless indiscretion with you, and would be a betrayal if I granted your request.
Tourvel acknowledges that Valmont's reputation makes her cautious, as openness with him could damage her honor.
“If I was even certain that your letters would be such as would give me no cause of discontent, and that I could always be conscious I was sufficiently justified in receiving them, then, perhaps, the desire of proving to you that reason, not hatred, guided me, would make me surmount those powerful considerations.”
If I were sure your letters would not upset me and that I could feel justified in receiving them, then my wish to show you that reason, not hatred, motivates me might overcome my strong objections.
Tourvel hints at a possible concession if Valmont proves trustworthy, but immediately ties it to his departure as a condition.