Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 76: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil explained
Valmont responds to Merteuil's cryptic letter about Prevan, warning her of Prevan's dangerous charm and urging caution.
What happens
Valmont responds to Merteuil's cryptic letter about Prevan, warning her of Prevan's dangerous charm and urging caution. He then recounts his arrival at Madame de Rosemonde's chateau, describing his successful manipulation of Madame de Tourvel's emotions and his covert delivery of Danceny's letter to Cecilia Volanges. He concludes by mentioning he has received a letter from Tourvel and encloses both her and Cecilia's replies.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Manipulation
Valmont details his strategic seduction of Tourvel through calculated glances and his manipulation of Cecilia's correspondence.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Valmont feigns concern for Tourvel's health while secretly orchestrating his seduction; the contrast between public decorum and private schemes is central.
Gender and Power Dynamics
Valmont's predatory control over Tourvel and Cecilia illustrates male dominance; Merteuil's agency is questioned as Valmont warns her against Prevan.
Characters to notice
- Viscount de Valmont
Narrator; strategizes seduction of Tourvel and manipulation of Cecilia; delivers Danceny's letter to Cecilia.
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Valmont critiques her cryptic remarks about Prevan and warns her of his danger.
- Madame de Tourvel
Valmont describes her emotional reaction to his arrival; she is overwhelmed and leaves the table; later, they exchange tender glances.
- Cecilia Volanges
Valmont delivers Danceny's letter to her; she shows surprise and awkwardness but is instructed to hide it.
- Madame de Volanges
Shows vexation at Valmont's arrival; attempts to follow Tourvel but is thwarted by Valmont.
- Madame de Rosemonde
Valmont's aunt; shows joy at his arrival; remains at table during the walk.
Key passages
“I have a hundred proofs of her love; but I have also a thousand of her resistance.”
Valmont is frustrated by Tourvel's conflicting signals of affection and refusal.
Highlights the tension in Valmont's seduction campaign.
“I fell from the clouds like an opera divinity.”
Valmont dramatically arrived unannounced, surprising everyone.
Shows Valmont's theatrical approach to manipulation.
“I seized the opportunity to give her Danceny’s letter. I was a little distance from her, and threw the letter in her lap.”
Valmont covertly delivered Danceny's letter to Cecilia by tossing it into her lap.
Demonstrates Valmont's role as intermediary in the secret correspondence.