Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 140: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil explained
Valmont writes to Merteuil, annoyed by her silence, and recounts a recent mishap with Cecilia Volanges.
What happens
Valmont writes to Merteuil, annoyed by her silence, and recounts a recent mishap with Cecilia Volanges. After neglecting Tourvel, he has been regularly visiting Cecilia, but one night they forgot to secure the door, leading to a scare. Cecilia fell from the bed in fright, suffered convulsions, and later experienced symptoms indicating a pregnancy. Valmont arranged for a physician and surgeon under secrecy, and the affair has been covered up as a common illness. He questions whether he and Merteuil still share mutual interests.
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
- Seduction and Manipulation
Valmont's calculated seduction of Cecilia and his strategic management of the resulting crisis highlight his manipulative nature.
- Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
The cover-up of Cecilia's pregnancy as a common illness underscores the theme of maintaining appearances despite underlying reality.
Characters to notice
- Viscount de Valmont
Narrates the letter, expressing frustration at Merteuil's silence and detailing the accident with Cecilia.
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Valmont is annoyed by her lack of response and questions their alliance.
- Cecilia Volanges
Valmont's pupil; she suffers a fall and subsequent symptoms indicating pregnancy after a careless encounter.
- Madame de Tourvel
Mentioned as having not engaged Valmont's attention for some days.
Key passages
“How comes it, my charming friend, I receive no answers from you?”
Why haven't you replied to my letters, my dear friend?
Valmont expresses frustration at Merteuil's silence.
“I really am vexed, and shall not relate a syllable of my grand affairs.”
I'm so annoyed that I won't tell you anything about my important matters.
Valmont threatens to withhold information due to his irritation.
“never anyone before her, perhaps, went to work so innocently to get rid of it”
No one has ever been so naive in trying to end a pregnancy.
Valmont comments on Cecilia's ignorance about her condition.
