Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 55: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay explained
Cecilia writes to Sophia Carnay, confessing that Danceny has prevailed over her confessor, Sophia's advice, and her own resolve, and she is not sorry.
What happens
Cecilia writes to Sophia Carnay, confessing that Danceny has prevailed over her confessor, Sophia's advice, and her own resolve, and she is not sorry. She describes the intense pleasure of loving Danceny, the distress of seeing him cry, and the happiness of his joy. She wishes Sophia were in love to understand her better and taste true happiness. Cecilia also reflects on her feelings for Madame de Merteuil, which she finds similar to her love for Danceny, and expresses anxiety about her impending marriage to the disagreeable Count Gercourt.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Experience
Cecilia's naive confession of her love for Danceny and her inability to resist him illustrates her transition from convent innocence to romantic experience.
Love, Virtue, and Corruption
Cecilia's love for Danceny is portrayed as pure and joyful, yet it conflicts with societal expectations and her impending marriage, hinting at potential corruption.
Characters to notice
- Cecilia Volanges
Narrates the letter, confessing her renewed affair with Danceny and her emotional turmoil.
- Sophia Carnay
Recipient of the letter; Cecilia addresses her directly, defending her actions and wishing she were in love.
- Chevalier Danceny
Cecilia's lover; his tears and joy influence her emotions, and she describes her deep attachment to him.
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Cecilia compares her affection for Merteuil to her love for Danceny, noting they are often together.
- Count Gercourt
Mentioned as Cecilia's future husband, whom she fears will be disagreeable.
Key passages
“Danceny, as you predicted, has been stronger than my confessor, than you, or even myself; we are just as we were before.”
Danceny has overcome all opposition from my confessor, you, and my own resolve, and our relationship has resumed.
Cecilia admits that Danceny's influence has prevailed over all other authorities.
“I cannot account for it: but I imagine that everything that pleases me, bears a resemblance to him.”
I find that everything I enjoy reminds me of Danceny.
Cecilia describes how her love colors her perception of the world.
“I am apt to think, that when one is in love, it diffuses itself to our friendship: that I have for thee, has never altered; but that I experience with Madame de Merteuil, is more like the affection I have for Danceny than that I have for thee.”
Love seems to spread into friendship; my friendship with you remains unchanged, but my feelings for Madame de Merteuil resemble my love for Danceny more than my friendship with you.
Cecilia compares her platonic and romantic attachments, noting a blurring of boundaries.