# Letter 79: 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 writes to Merteuil recounting the scandalous history of Prevan's seduction of the three 'inseparable' women, detailing his strategic triple affair, the challenges he faced, and the eventual public disgrace that led to one woman entering a convent and the other two being exiled. Valmont warns Merteuil against being seduced by Prevan's charm and urges prudence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Seduction and Manipulation

Prevan's calculated triple seduction of the inseparable women exemplifies strategic manipulation, using letters, tokens, and timing to orchestrate simultaneous affairs.

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

The inseparable women's public facade of perfect friendship and constancy is revealed as hollow when Prevan exposes their secret affairs, leading to their social ruin.

### Gender and Power Dynamics

Prevan's successful manipulation of three women and their lovers demonstrates male dominance in libertine games, while the women suffer disproportionate consequences (convent, exile).

## Character check-ins

### Viscount de Valmont

Narrates the story of Prevan's adventure to Merteuil, expressing concern over her interest in Prevan and advising caution.

### Marchioness de Merteuil

Recipient of the letter; Valmont addresses her directly, warning her against Prevan and urging a prudent response.

### Prevan

Central figure in the recounted adventure; orchestrates a triple seduction of the 'inseparable' women, later duels their discarded lovers, and becomes a celebrated figure.

## Key lines

> I have no book to read but a new romance that would tire a boarding-school girl.

Valmont complains that the only available book is a trivial romance, unworthy of his sophisticated taste.

_Valmont dismisses the romance as beneath him, highlighting his intellectual vanity and boredom at the chateau._

> Prevan, who neglects nothing, flies to the fair foreigner’s in an ill humour, which soon spread, and leaves her, after an altercation which brought on a quarrel that ensured him leave of absence for twenty-four hours at least.

Prevan deliberately picks a quarrel with his current mistress to secure a free evening for his triple seduction.

_This shows Prevan's meticulous planning and willingness to manipulate even his existing relationship to achieve his goals._

> I leave you to determine whether you will add to his fame, and be yoked to his triumphal chariot.

Valmont warns Merteuil that becoming involved with Prevan would only enhance his reputation and make her another of his conquests.

_Valmont uses the metaphor of a triumphal chariot to caution Merteuil against being used as a trophy in Prevan's seduction career._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-79-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