# Letter 58: Viscount de Valmont to the Presidente de Tourvel explained — Dangerous Liaisons

> Chapter companion for Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.

## What happens

Valmont writes a passionate and manipulative letter to Madame de Tourvel, defending his conduct and pleading for the continuation of their correspondence. He claims absolute submission to her will while accusing her of unjust severity and threatening the consequences of her rejection.

## Themes in this chapter

### Seduction and Manipulation

Valmont uses emotional appeals, feigned submission, and veiled threats to manipulate Tourvel into maintaining contact.

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

Valmont presents himself as a respectful, suffering lover while his true intent is to gain power over Tourvel.

### Love, Virtue, and Corruption

Valmont twists the language of love and virtue to justify his obsessive pursuit, corrupting the ideal of pure affection.

## Character check-ins

### Viscount de Valmont

Author of the letter; employs rhetorical manipulation to portray himself as a devoted, suffering lover.

### Madame de Tourvel

Recipient of the letter; Valmont addresses her reproaches and attempts to guilt her into continued correspondence.

## Key lines

> The most violent, and yet the most respectful attachment, the most absolute submission to your will, is, in a few words, the history of my conduct and sentiments towards you.

Valmont claims his behavior has been one of intense devotion and complete obedience to Tourvel's wishes.

_This opening sets up his self-serving narrative of innocence and sacrifice._

> Will you never tell yourself—he made me arbitress of his fate, and I made him miserable; he implored my aid, and I did not even give him a compassionate glance—

Valmont imagines Tourvel feeling guilty for rejecting him, framing her refusal as cruel indifference.

_He uses hypothetical guilt to pressure her emotionally._

> A learned writer has said, that in order to dispel one’s fears, it would be almost always sufficient to search the cause.

Valmont cites an authority to argue that Tourvel's fears are irrational and can be overcome by understanding them.

_He employs intellectual appeal to undermine her resistance._

## Links

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