Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 57: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil explained
Valmont writes to Merteuil, responding to her anger about Danceny's errors.
What happens
Valmont writes to Merteuil, responding to her anger about Danceny's errors. He describes gaining Danceny's confidence and friendship, but laments that Danceny's honorable scruples and contentment with innocent love hinder their seduction plan for Cecilia. Valmont criticizes Merteuil's helpfulness as counterproductive and suggests the scheme may fail. He then playfully reminds her of her promise to commit an infidelity in his favor, challenging her constancy with the Chevalier.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Manipulation
Valmont discusses his manipulation of Danceny's trust and critiques Merteuil's tactics, revealing the calculated nature of their seduction schemes.
Innocence and Experience
Valmont contrasts Danceny's innocent, honorable love with his own experienced libertine approach, noting how obstacles and mystery can corrupt innocence.
Characters to notice
- Viscount de Valmont
Author of the letter; reflects on his manipulation of Danceny and criticizes Merteuil's approach, while also flirting with her.
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient; Valmont addresses her anger and her role in the scheme with Danceny and Cecilia.
- Chevalier Danceny
Valmont has gained his confidence and friendship, but Danceny's honorable scruples about seducing Cecilia impede the plan.
- Cecilia Volanges
The target of the seduction scheme; Valmont discusses Danceny's hesitation to compromise her honor.
- Madame de Tourvel
Mentioned briefly as Valmont compares his own seduction of her to Danceny's situation with Cecilia.
Key passages
“I much extolled the supreme happiness attendant on an honourable passion; proved that one such passion was infinitely superior to ten intrigues; and that even I am but a timid lover.”
Valmont pretended to praise the virtues of a pure love to gain Danceny's trust, claiming that a single honorable passion is better than many affairs and that he himself is a shy lover.
Valmont's ironic flattery of Danceny's romantic ideals to manipulate him.
“A few well-timed obstacles thrown in the young man’s way, might have been serviceable; for obstacles, accompanied with mystery, have a wonderful effect in inspiring boldness.”
Valmont suggests that creating difficulties for Danceny would have made him more daring, as mystery and barriers often fuel desire.
Valmont's strategic critique of Merteuil's approach to seduction.