Letter 45: The Presidente de Tourvel to Madame de Volanges explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

  Tourvel presents herself as dutiful and regretful, yet her letter reveals inner turmoil and a possible attachment to Valmont, contrasting her outward compliance.

• Innocence and Experience

  Tourvel's naivety is shown in her trust of Madame de Volanges's advice, while her emotional response to Valmont's departure hints at her growing experience with forbidden feelings.

Characters to notice

• Madame de Tourvel

  Writes to inform Madame de Volanges of Valmont's departure, expressing mixed feelings of duty and regret.

• Madame de Volanges

  Recipient of the letter; her wish for Valmont's departure is acknowledged.

• Viscount de Valmont

  Has left the chateau, causing Madame de Rosemonde's grief and Tourvel's unease.

• Madame de Rosemonde

  Inconsolable over Valmont's departure; praises him at length to Tourvel.

• Cecilia Volanges

  Mentioned as Mademoiselle de Volanges, whom Tourvel hopes to meet soon.

Key passages

• “Mr. de Valmont is gone this morning, Madam: you seemed so anxiously to wish for this event, that I have thought it my duty to impart it to you.”

  Valmont left this morning, and since you were so eager for it, I felt I should tell you.

  Tourvel acknowledges Madame de Volanges's desire for Valmont's departure and complies with her wishes.

• “I thought myself bound to attend to it without interruption; and indeed I must own she was right on many heads; besides, I was sensible I was the cause of this separation, and have no prospect of making her amends for the pleasure of which I have deprived her.”

  I felt obligated to listen to her without interrupting, and I admit she was right about many things; I also knew I was the reason for the separation and couldn't compensate her for the loss of his company.

  Tourvel shows guilt and a sense of duty toward Madame de Rosemonde, revealing her internal conflict.