Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 17: The Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges explained
Danceny writes to Cecilia, declaring his love and asking for her indulgence.
What happens
Danceny writes to Cecilia, declaring his love and asking for her indulgence. He argues that his feelings are pure and chaste, born from her own qualities, and pleads for an answer, suggesting a safe means of 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 Exposition.
- 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
- Innocence and Experience
Danceny's letter embodies youthful innocence and idealistic love, contrasting with the manipulative schemes of other characters.
- Epistolary Form and Unreliable Truth
The letter is a direct expression of Danceny's feelings, but the epistolary form raises questions about sincerity and the reliability of written declarations.
Characters to notice
- Chevalier Danceny
Writes a passionate and respectful love letter to Cecilia, declaring his sentiments for the first time.
- Cecilia Volanges
The recipient of Danceny's declaration; he credits her with inspiring his feelings and asks for her reply.
Key passages
“I have nothing to say that my looks, my confusion, my conduct, and even my silence, have not already told you!”
My feelings have been obvious through my behavior and expressions, even without words.
Danceny asserts that his love has been evident all along.
“Be the arbitress of my fate, you can make me happy or miserable forever; into what dearer hands can I commit such a trust?”
You hold the power to determine my happiness or despair, and I entrust that power to no one else.
Danceny places Cecilia in a position of absolute control over his emotional well-being.
