Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Endnotes explained
The endnotes provide editorial commentary, clarifications, and references to suppressed or missing letters, offering insight into the structure and omissions of the published correspondence.
What happens
The endnotes provide editorial commentary, clarifications, and references to suppressed or missing letters, offering insight into the structure and omissions of the published correspondence.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Resolution.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because Valmont reaches the peak of his sadistic triumph—the "brilliant éclat" of…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Epistolary Form and Unreliable Truth
The endnotes explicitly discuss the suppression of letters and editorial choices, highlighting the constructed and selective nature of the epistolary narrative.
Characters to notice
- Viscount de Valmont
Referenced in notes regarding his past with Merteuil and Gercourt, and his profligate nature.
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Mentioned in relation to her past with Gercourt and Valmont, and her disregard for religion.
- Cecilia Volanges
Noted for changing her confidant and for letters that are suppressed.
- Chevalier Danceny
His letters are suppressed as uninteresting; he repeats Valmont's expression.
- Madame de Tourvel
Mentioned in relation to a letter not found and her possible reading of Rousseau.
Key passages
“Not to tire the reader’s patience, we suppress many of the letters of this daily correspondence, and give only them we think necessary for unfolding the events of this society.”
To avoid boring the reader, many letters are omitted, leaving only those essential to understanding the story.
Editorial justification for selective inclusion of letters.
“Madame de Volanges’ error informs us, that Valmont, like most profligate wretches, did not impeach his accomplices.”
Madame de Volanges' mistake shows that Valmont, like most immoral men, did not betray his partners in crime.
Commentary on Valmont's character and loyalty to accomplices.
