Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 82: Cecilia Volanges to the Chevalier Danceny explained
Cecilia responds to Danceny's letter, expressing distress at his complaints about their difficult circumstances.
What happens
Cecilia responds to Danceny's letter, expressing distress at his complaints about their difficult circumstances. She defends her efforts to maintain their correspondence despite her mother's strict surveillance, relying on Valmont's assistance. She reaffirms her love and hopes for a future when they can be together freely.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Experience
Cecilia's naive distress and her earnest efforts to maintain the correspondence highlight her innocence, contrasted with the manipulative schemes of Valmont and Merteuil.
Love, Virtue, and Corruption
Cecilia's sincere love for Danceny is expressed, yet their relationship is corrupted by the secrecy and manipulation required to sustain it.
Characters to notice
- Cecilia Volanges
The letter's author; she is distressed by Danceny's complaints and describes her efforts to write secretly under her mother's watch.
- Chevalier Danceny
The recipient; Cecilia addresses his complaints about their separation and reassures him of her love.
- Viscount de Valmont
Mentioned as the intermediary who facilitates their secret correspondence, though he has not written to Danceny as requested.
- Madame de Volanges
Cecilia's mother, whose constant surveillance and scolding make it difficult for Cecilia to write or receive letters.
Key passages
“I expected to have received some consolation, and am now more afflicted than ever.”
I hoped your letter would comfort me, but instead it has made me even more upset.
Cecilia expresses her disappointment that Danceny's letter, rather than soothing her, adds to her distress.
“I used to be consoled thinking it was for you; even sometimes, I was very glad of it.”
I found comfort in the scolding because I believed it was for your sake; at times, I even welcomed it.
Cecilia reveals that she previously accepted her mother's reprimands as a sacrifice for love, but now feels differently.
“I must stop at the end of every line, that they may hear me play.”
I have to pause after each line of writing so that anyone listening will think I am still playing music.
Cecilia describes the elaborate ruse of pretending to practice the harp while secretly writing to Danceny.