Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 19: Cecilia Volanges to Chevalier Danceny explained
Cecilia writes to Danceny, reluctantly fulfilling her promise to reply to his letter.
What happens
Cecilia writes to Danceny, reluctantly fulfilling her promise to reply to his letter. She expresses unease about their correspondence, fearing it may be discovered and cause her trouble, and asks him not to write again. She admits her sincerity and desire for their friendship to continue, but insists on no further letters.
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
Cecilia's naive sincerity and fear of blame highlight her innocence, contrasting with the experienced manipulations of other characters.
- Epistolary Form and Unreliable Truth
The letter reveals Cecilia's internal conflict and the constraints of epistolary communication, where her words may not fully convey her feelings.
Characters to notice
- Cecilia Volanges
Writes reluctantly to Danceny, torn between her promise and fear of discovery.
- Chevalier Danceny
The recipient of Cecilia's letter; his melancholy prompts her to respond.
Key passages
“You was so pensive, Sir, yesterday, and it gave me so much uneasiness to see you so, that I could not avoid promising to answer the letter you wrote me.”
Your sadness yesterday troubled me so much that I felt compelled to promise a reply to your letter.
Cecilia explains her motivation for writing, driven by concern for Danceny's mood.
“I now think it unbecoming; yet, as I promised, I will not break my word, a proof of the friendship I have for you.”
I now believe it is improper, but I will keep my promise as a sign of my friendship.
Cecilia acknowledges the impropriety of writing but prioritizes her word.
“I hope you will never more ask me to write to you again, or ever let anyone know I have wrote to you; for I should most certainly be blamed, and it might occasion me a deal of uneasiness.”
I hope you will never again request a letter from me, nor reveal that I have written, as I would be blamed and greatly distressed.
Cecilia fears the social consequences of their secret correspondence.
