# Letter 99: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## What happens

Valmont writes to Merteuil about the slow progress with Madame de Tourvel and the setback with Cecilia. He describes a tense scene where Tourvel nearly succumbs to him but then recoils in prayer and tears, leaving him moved but confident of eventual victory. He also recounts finding Cecilia's door locked after their previous encounter, which angered him, but he decides to continue the affair for revenge and to serve Merteuil's designs on Gercourt.

## Themes in this chapter

### Seduction and Manipulation

Valmont meticulously plans Tourvel's seduction, analyzing her resistance and predicting her fall, while also manipulating Cecilia for revenge.

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

Tourvel's outward virtue clashes with her inner desires; Valmont presents himself as a friend while plotting her ruin.

### Gender and Power Dynamics

Valmont exerts power over both Tourvel and Cecilia, treating their resistance as games to be overcome, reflecting male dominance in aristocratic society.

## Character check-ins

### Viscount de Valmont

Narrator of the letter; describes his strategic patience with Tourvel and his irritation with Cecilia's resistance.

### Marchioness de Merteuil

Recipient of the letter; Valmont addresses her as his confidante and reminds her of their agreement.

### Madame de Tourvel

The object of Valmont's seduction; nearly yields to him but then prays and begs him to leave, showing her inner conflict.

### Cecilia Volanges

Valmont's other target; she locks her door against him, provoking his anger and plans for revenge.

### Count Gercourt

Mentioned as the intended victim of Merteuil's designs, which Valmont's affair with Cecilia serves.

## Key lines

> I can this instant with certainty foretell the moment of my austere devotee’s fall. I this night assisted at the last agonies of her virtue; soft weakness has replaced it.

Valmont claims he can predict exactly when Tourvel will succumb, having witnessed the final struggle of her virtue being overtaken by weakness.

_Valmont's confident prediction of Tourvel's imminent surrender._

> Would you believe it? after what passed between us the day before yesterday, after the amicable manner in which we parted yesterday morning, I found her door locked on the inside when I came at night, as was agreed.

Valmont is incredulous that Cecilia locked him out despite their previous intimacy and agreement to meet.

_Cecilia's unexpected resistance frustrates Valmont._

> God⁠—Oh, my God, save me! ... Yes it is you, it is you will save me; you do not wish my death; leave me; save me; leave me; for God’s sake! leave me:

Tourvel cries out to God and begs Valmont to leave her, fearing for her virtue and life.

_Tourvel's dramatic plea during her near-seduction._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-99-viscount-de-valmont-to-the-marchioness-de-merteuil
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters