# Letter 66: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## What happens

Valmont reports to Merteuil on his successful manipulation of Danceny and Cecilia, having orchestrated their correspondence. He criticizes Danceny's scruples about promising to renounce his love while planning seduction. Valmont outlines contingency plans to use Cecilia's letters against her and her mother if needed, and discusses his upcoming country trip to advance their schemes against Gercourt.

## Themes in this chapter

### Seduction and Manipulation

Valmont details his manipulation of Danceny and Cecilia, orchestrating their correspondence and planning to use their letters for leverage.

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

Valmont criticizes Danceny's scruples about promising to renounce his love while planning seduction, highlighting the hypocrisy of moral appearances.

## Character check-ins

### Viscount de Valmont

Reports to Merteuil on his manipulation of Danceny and Cecilia, criticizes Danceny's scruples, and outlines contingency plans.

### Marchioness de Merteuil

Recipient of the letter; Valmont acknowledges her wisdom and commission.

### Chevalier Danceny

Described as 'all on fire' and 'very young'; Valmont criticizes his scruples about promising to renounce his love.

### Cecilia Volanges

The 'little one' whose letters Valmont has read and plans to use as leverage.

### Madame de Volanges

Valmont discusses hindering her from being startled and keeping her from the convent; he plans revenge against her.

## Key lines

> It would be deceitful, says he incessantly. Is not this a most edifying scruple, especially when he is about seducing the daughter?

Danceny refuses to promise to renounce his love because he thinks it would be deceitful, yet he is actively trying to seduce Cecilia.

_Valmont mocks Danceny's moral inconsistency._

> This is the true picture of mankind; all equally profligate in their projects: if any weakness happens in the execution, they call it probity.

People are all equally corrupt in their plans, but when they fail to carry them out, they call it virtue.

_Valmont cynically generalizes about human nature._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-66-the-viscount-de-valmont-to-the-marchioness-de-merteuil
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters