Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 88: Cecilia Volanges to the Viscount de Valmont explained
Cecilia Volanges writes to Valmont, declining his proposal to obtain a duplicate key to her mother's room for secret meetings with Danceny.
What happens
Cecilia Volanges writes to Valmont, declining his proposal to obtain a duplicate key to her mother's room for secret meetings with Danceny. She expresses fear of discovery and prefers to continue their current cautious arrangement, returning Valmont's key and letters.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Experience
Cecilia's hesitation and fear of discovery highlight her naivety and inexperience in navigating clandestine romance, contrasting with Valmont's manipulative expertise.
Seduction and Manipulation
Valmont's proposal for a duplicate key is a manipulative tactic to gain control over Cecilia's secret affair, advancing his own schemes.
Characters to notice
- Cecilia Volanges
Writes to Valmont, refusing his risky plan for a duplicate key due to fear of her mother's watchfulness.
- Viscount de Valmont
Recipient of the letter; proposed the scheme for a duplicate key to facilitate Cecilia's secret correspondence with Danceny.
- Chevalier Danceny
Cecilia's lover; she believes he would agree with her cautious approach.
- Madame de Volanges
Cecilia's mother, described as exceedingly watchful and a source of fear for Cecilia.
Key passages
“I dare not venture to do what you propose. First, I think it too dangerous; the key you desire I should put in the place of the other resembles it pretty much, it is true: but still there is some difference, and mama is so exceedingly watchful, that nothing escapes her.”
Cecilia refuses Valmont's plan to swap the key, fearing her mother's vigilance will detect the slight difference.
Cecilia's fear of her mother's scrutiny prevents her from taking risks.
“I am certain Mr. Danceny would be of the same opinion: for whenever he wanted anything I was not inclined to, he instantly gave it up.”
Cecilia believes Danceny would support her cautious decision, as he always respects her wishes.
Cecilia contrasts Danceny's deference with Valmont's pushiness.