# Letter 84: Viscount de Valmont to Cecilia Volanges explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## What happens

Valmont writes to Cecilia with detailed instructions for obtaining the key to her chamber door, ostensibly to facilitate secret correspondence with Danceny, while actually furthering his own manipulative designs.

## Themes in this chapter

### Seduction and Manipulation

Valmont manipulates Cecilia under the guise of helping her and Danceny, using flattery and false concern to gain her compliance in his scheme.

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

Valmont claims to hate deceit while meticulously planning a deception; he presents himself as a virtuous friend while orchestrating a secret plot.

## Character check-ins

### Viscount de Valmont

Author of the letter; presents himself as a helpful friend to Danceny and Cecilia while orchestrating a scheme to gain access to Cecilia's room.

### Cecilia Volanges

Recipient of the letter; Valmont addresses her as his 'pretty pupil' and instructs her in deceitful methods to bypass her mother's restrictions.

### Chevalier Danceny

Referenced as the lover whose correspondence Valmont claims to facilitate; Valmont advises Cecilia not to tell him about the key plan.

### Madame de Volanges

Cecilia's mother; Valmont describes her as showing 'small confidence' and 'moroseness,' and instructs Cecilia to deceive her by taking the key from her chimneypiece.

### Madame de Rosemonde

Valmont's aunt; he plans to use her as a distraction by offering his arm as they move to the dining room, allowing Cecilia to retrieve the key.

## Key lines

> I am afraid of hurting you by my over zeal; and should never forgive myself, if by my imprudence you should suffer; that would make my friend distracted, and you miserable.

Valmont claims he fears causing harm to Cecilia through excessive eagerness, and that any mistake would distress both Danceny and Cecilia.

_Valmont uses feigned concern to build trust and justify his risky plan._

> The small confidence your mamma shows you, and the moroseness of her behaviour, authorises this little deceit

Valmont argues that Madame de Volanges's lack of trust and harsh treatment justifies Cecilia's deception.

_Valmont rationalizes the planned theft of the key by blaming the mother's behavior._

> I hate everything that has the appearance of deceit; that is my character

Valmont claims to despise deception, asserting it is against his nature.

_A blatant ironic statement given his elaborate scheme; highlights his hypocrisy._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters