Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 94: Cecilia Volanges to the Chevalier Danceny explained
Cecilia writes to Danceny, confused and hurt by his accusations.
What happens
Cecilia writes to Danceny, confused and hurt by his accusations. She defends her decision not to take a key from Valmont, fearing her mother's discovery, but agrees to do so now that Danceny wishes it. She expresses frustration that Valmont is always right in Danceny's eyes while she is always wrong, and pleads for his trust and affection.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Experience
Cecilia's naive confusion and emotional turmoil contrast with Valmont's manipulative experience, as she struggles to navigate Danceny's demands.
Seduction and Manipulation
Valmont's indirect influence is evident as he orchestrates the key scheme, manipulating both Cecilia and Danceny to further his own designs.
Characters to notice
- Cecilia Volanges
Writes to Danceny, defending her actions and expressing hurt over his accusations.
- Chevalier Danceny
Recipient of Cecilia's letter; she responds to his accusations and tries to reassure him of her love.
- Viscount de Valmont
Mentioned as the one who proposed the key and as Danceny's friend, whom Cecilia resents for being favored over her.
- Madame de Volanges
Cecilia fears her mother discovering the key, which would cause trouble.
Key passages
“I cannot conceive a word of your letter,—it gives me much uneasiness.”
I don't understand your letter at all, and it's making me very upset.
Cecilia expresses confusion and distress over Danceny's accusations.
“I was afraid to take a key, lest my mama should discover it, and bring more trouble on you and me; moreover, I did not think it right.”
I was scared to take the key because my mother might find out and cause more problems for both of us, and I also didn't think it was proper.
Cecilia explains her initial refusal to take the key, citing fear of her mother and moral qualms.
“Mr. de Valmont may be your friend, for ought I know, but I think I love you as well as he does, at least; and yet he is always right, and I am wrong.”
Valmont might be your friend, but I love you just as much as he does, and yet he's always right while I'm always wrong.
Cecilia resents that Danceny values Valmont's opinion over hers.