Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 59: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil explained
Valmont writes to Merteuil, expressing irritation and confusion over Danceny's romantic troubles.
What happens
Valmont writes to Merteuil, expressing irritation and confusion over Danceny's romantic troubles. He complains about the dullness of Danceny's lamentations and seeks Merteuil's instructions for an upcoming rendezvous. He also mentions a tempting invitation from the Countess de B⸺ to visit her country estate, threatening to leave Paris if Merteuil has no further use for him.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Manipulation
Valmont's casual mention of the Countess de B⸺'s invitation and his 'right to that wood' alludes to his ongoing seductions and manipulative relationships.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Valmont feigns concern for Danceny while actually seeking to manipulate the situation for his own amusement and advantage.
Characters to notice
- Viscount de Valmont
Valmont writes to Merteuil, annoyed by Danceny's romantic woes and seeking direction.
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Valmont addresses Merteuil, asking for her instructions regarding Danceny and their schemes.
- Chevalier Danceny
Danceny is the subject of Valmont's complaint; he has requested a rendezvous with Valmont to discuss his troubles.
- Countess de B⸺
Valmont mentions a pressing invitation from the Countess to visit her country estate.
Key passages
“Pray inform me, if you can, what is all this nonsense of Danceny. What has happened, and what has he lost?”
Please tell me what Danceny's problem is. What happened, and what did he lose?
Valmont expresses impatience and ignorance about Danceny's romantic difficulties.
“Passionate complaints are supportable only in a recitative obligato, or in grand airs.”
I can only tolerate emotional complaints if they are set to music or sung dramatically.
Valmont mocks Danceny's lamentations, comparing them to opera.
“I have just received a most pressing invitation from the Countess de B⸺, to go see her in the country; and she writes very humorously, 'that her husband has the finest wood in the world, which he preserves carefully for the amusement of his friends;' and you know I have some kind of right to that wood.”
The Countess de B⸺ has invited me to her country estate, jokingly saying her husband keeps a fine forest for his friends' enjoyment, and I have a claim to it.
Valmont hints at a sexual relationship with the Countess, using the metaphor of the wood.