Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 71: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil explained
Valmont writes to Merteuil about a night's adventure at the Countess de B⸺'s chateau, where he seduces the Viscountess de M⸺ despite her lover Vressac being present.
What happens
Valmont writes to Merteuil about a night's adventure at the Countess de B⸺'s chateau, where he seduces the Viscountess de M⸺ despite her lover Vressac being present. After their tryst, they find her door locked from inside, and Valmont orchestrates a ruse by having her cry 'robbers' so he can break down the door, allowing her to escape undetected. He then reconciles the Viscountess with Vressac, amusing himself with the intrigue.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Manipulation
Valmont manipulates both the Viscountess and Vressac to achieve his own pleasure, orchestrating the entire night's events.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
The elaborate ruse of a false robbery and the pretense of reconciliation mask the true nature of the characters' actions and desires.
Characters to notice
- Viscount de Valmont
Narrates the letter, boasting of his seduction of the Viscountess de M⸺ and his clever ruse to save her from discovery.
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Valmont addresses her directly and shares his tale for her amusement.
- Vressac
The Viscountess's lover, who is manipulated by Valmont and later reconciled with her after the night's events.
Key passages
“I am moreover pleased to let you know, that if I have the talent of ruining the women, I am no less clever in saving them when I am inclined.”
Valmont boasts that he is as skilled at rescuing women from scandal as he is at seducing them.
Highlights Valmont's self-satisfaction and his view of manipulation as a game.
“The most lively, or most difficult side, is what I always choose; and I never reproach myself with doing a good act, provided it entertains and amuses me.”
Valmont prefers challenges and only does good deeds if they amuse him.
Reveals his hedonistic and amoral philosophy.
“If the tale diverts you, I don’t mean to bind you to secrecy. Now I have had my amusement, it is right the public should also have their share.”
Valmont encourages Merteuil to share his story, as he wants the public to enjoy it too.
Shows Valmont's desire for notoriety and his lack of concern for the Viscountess's reputation.