Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 61: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay explained
Cecilia writes to her friend Sophia in distress after her mother, Madame de Volanges, discovers her secret correspondence with Chevalier Danceny.
What happens
Cecilia writes to her friend Sophia in distress after her mother, Madame de Volanges, discovers her secret correspondence with Chevalier Danceny. She describes the confrontation, her fainting, and her despair at being separated from Danceny. She plans to write to Madame de Merteuil for help and to send a letter to Danceny.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Experience
Cecilia's naive distress at the discovery of her secret romance contrasts with the harsh reality of parental authority and social constraints.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Cecilia's cheerful demeanor at supper with Madame de Merteuil masks the secret affair that is about to be exposed.
Characters to notice
- Cecilia Volanges
The letter's author, distraught after her mother discovers Danceny's letters.
- Sophia Carnay
Cecilia's confidante, to whom she pours out her despair.
- Madame de Volanges
Cecilia's mother, who discovers the letters and confiscates them.
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Cecilia hopes to enlist her help to deliver a letter to Danceny.
- Chevalier Danceny
Cecilia's lover, from whom she fears she will be separated forever.
Key passages
“Mamma knows all. I cannot conceive how she had any suspicion; and yet she has discovered everything.”
Cecilia is shocked that her mother has uncovered her secret relationship with Danceny.
Highlights the sudden collapse of Cecilia's hidden romance.
“I shudder every time I think that I must appear before her again.”
Cecilia is terrified of facing her mother after the discovery.
Emphasizes the power imbalance and Cecilia's vulnerability.
“When I think I never shall see Danceny more, I wish I was dead.”
Cecilia feels that life without Danceny is unbearable.
Reveals the depth of her romantic attachment and despair.