Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 128: The Presidente de Tourvel to Madame de Rosemonde explained
Madame de Tourvel confesses to Madame de Rosemonde that she has surrendered to Valmont, choosing his happiness over her own virtue and reputation.
What happens
Madame de Tourvel confesses to Madame de Rosemonde that she has surrendered to Valmont, choosing his happiness over her own virtue and reputation. She acknowledges the pain but finds solace in Valmont's joy, and declares she will never reproach him even if he abandons her, preferring candor to deceit.
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 Rising action.
- 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
- Love, Virtue, and Corruption
Tourvel explicitly chooses love for Valmont over her virtue, framing her fall as a willing sacrifice for his happiness.
- Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Tourvel rejects hypocrisy by confessing her true state to Madame de Rosemonde, preferring candor over maintaining a virtuous appearance.
Characters to notice
- Madame de Tourvel
Confesses her complete devotion to Valmont and her choice to sacrifice her virtue for his happiness.
- Madame de Rosemonde
Recipient of the letter; Tourvel addresses her former kindness and explains her candor despite risking her esteem.
- Viscount de Valmont
Central to Tourvel's confession; she has devoted herself entirely to him and his happiness.
Key passages
“I was placed by M. de Valmont, between his death and happiness—I chose the latter—I neither boast nor accuse myself; I relate the fact plainly as it is.”
Valmont forced me to choose between his death and his happiness, and I chose his happiness. I am not proud nor ashamed; I simply state what happened.
Tourvel frames her surrender as a conscious choice for Valmont's well-being, not a moral failing.
“When my heart is rent, and I dread not being any longer able to bear my torments, I say to myself, Valmont is happy; and at this idea my miseries vanish; all is converted into joy.”
When I am in agony and fear I cannot endure it, I remind myself that Valmont is happy, and that thought turns my pain into joy.
Tourvel's devotion is so complete that Valmont's happiness becomes her sole comfort.
“If he should hereafter think otherwise, he shall never hear from me either complaint or reproach.”
If Valmont ever changes his feelings, I will never complain or blame him.
Tourvel anticipates possible abandonment but resolves to remain silent and dignified.
