Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 44: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil explained
Valmont writes to Merteuil in a state of exultation, reporting that he has discovered Madame de Tourvel's secret love for him by bribing her chambermaid and reading her private papers.
What happens
Valmont writes to Merteuil in a state of exultation, reporting that he has discovered Madame de Tourvel's secret love for him by bribing her chambermaid and reading her private papers. He finds his letters preserved and tear-stained, confirming her affection. However, his joy turns to rage when he learns that Madame de Volanges has written to Tourvel to warn her against him. He vows revenge, planning to seduce and ruin Volanges's daughter Cecilia. He also describes his tense final interactions with Tourvel, who is distressed by his impending departure.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Manipulation
Valmont orchestrates a scheme to bribe the chambermaid and read Tourvel's private papers, using deception to uncover her feelings.
Revenge and Cruelty
Upon discovering Madame de Volanges's interference, Valmont vows to seduce and ruin her daughter Cecilia as an act of vengeance.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Valmont feigns melancholy and softness while secretly plotting, and Tourvel's outward piety conceals her passionate attachment.
Characters to notice
- Viscount de Valmont
Exults in his discovery of Tourvel's love, but rages against Madame de Volanges's interference and plots revenge.
- Madame de Tourvel
Her secret love for Valmont is revealed through her preserved, tear-stained letters; she is distressed by his departure.
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Valmont's confidante and correspondent, to whom he reports his schemes and discoveries.
- Madame de Volanges
Revealed as the source of letters warning Tourvel against Valmont; he vows revenge on her through her daughter.
- Cecilia Volanges
Target of Valmont's revenge plot against her mother; he plans to seduce and ruin her.
- Madame de Rosemonde
Hostess at the chateau; interrupts Valmont's tense moment with Tourvel and invites Madame de Volanges to visit.
Key passages
“Share in my joy, my charming friend; I am loved; I have at length triumphed over that rebellious heart.”
Rejoice with me, my dear friend; I am loved and have finally conquered that resistant heart.
Valmont announces his triumph to Merteuil.
“It is she, and she alone, has disturbed the peace of this angelic woman; it is by her counsels, by her pernicious advice, that I find myself obliged to retire; I am sacrificed to her!”
She alone has upset this angelic woman's peace; her harmful advice forces me to leave—I am being sacrificed for her sake.
Valmont blames Madame de Volanges for turning Tourvel against him.
“Certainly her daughter shall be seduced; but that is not sufficient, she shall be ruined; and since the age of this accursed woman shelters her from my blows, I must strike at her in the object of her affections.”
Her daughter will be seduced, but that's not enough—she must be ruined. Since the woman's age protects her, I will strike through what she loves.
Valmont vows to destroy Madame de Volanges by seducing and ruining her daughter Cecilia.