# Letter 91: Viscount de Valmont to the Presidente de Tourvel explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## What happens

Valmont responds to Tourvel's letter with a dramatic plea, arguing that her fear of him is unfounded and that she should not banish him. He professes his submission and devotion, while subtly manipulating her by framing her request for separation as an act of injustice and cruelty.

## Themes in this chapter

### Seduction and Manipulation

Valmont uses emotional blackmail and feigned submission to pressure Tourvel into continuing their correspondence and meeting.

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

Valmont presents himself as a respectful, suffering lover while his true intent is to manipulate and seduce Tourvel.

## Character check-ins

### Viscount de Valmont

Writes a manipulative and passionate letter to Tourvel, pleading for a meeting and denying any danger he poses.

### Madame de Tourvel

The recipient of Valmont's letter; she has apparently written to him expressing fear and requesting separation.

## Key lines

> Plunged into consternation as I am by your letter, how shall I answer it, Madam?

Your letter has thrown me into shock; I don't know how to respond.

_Valmont opens with a dramatic display of distress to elicit sympathy._

> It is the dangerous man who is feared and fled.

Only a dangerous man would be feared and avoided.

_Valmont subtly denies being dangerous while implying Tourvel's fear is irrational._

> I am in the situation of the accused before his judge, of the slave before his lord.

I am like a defendant before a judge, or a slave before a master.

_Valmont uses legal and servile metaphors to portray himself as powerless and submissive._

> If a lover, a friend, should ever come to talk to you of gratitude, would you not say to him with indignation, Withdraw, you are a worthless man?

If a lover or friend offered you mere gratitude, you would angrily reject them as worthless.

_Valmont argues that gratitude is an insult to true love, pressuring Tourvel to offer more._

## Links

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