Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 31: Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges explained
Danceny writes passionately to Cecilia, recalling their recent meeting and her avowal of love.
What happens
Danceny writes passionately to Cecilia, recalling their recent meeting and her avowal of love. He expresses joy at her declaration, laments the constraints imposed by her mother's presence, and pleads for future intimacy. The letter is filled with romantic longing and a desire for greater physical affection.
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
- Love, Virtue, and Corruption
Danceny's idealized love for Cecilia contrasts with the manipulative relationships elsewhere in the novel, highlighting the tension between genuine affection and societal corruption.
- Innocence and Experience
Cecilia's innocent confession of love and Danceny's yearning for physical proof mark a transition from naive affection to more experienced desires.
Characters to notice
- Chevalier Danceny
Writes a fervent love letter to Cecilia, recalling her confession and expressing desire for more intimate contact.
- Cecilia Volanges
Recipient of Danceny's letter; she has confessed her love and is urged to be less reserved in future meetings.
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Mentioned as the one who provided a secret to Cecilia's mother, allowing Danceny and Cecilia to meet.
- Madame de Volanges
Cecilia's mother, whose return ended the lovers' private moment and imposed restraint.
Key passages
“Yes, certainly, we shall be very happy. My happiness is secure, since I am beloved by you.”
Danceny affirms that their future happiness is assured because Cecilia loves him.
Expresses Danceny's confidence in their mutual love.
“Why can’t I forever squeeze that lovely hand, that wrote I love you, imprint it with my kisses, and be thus revenged for your refusal of a greater favour?”
Danceny wishes he could kiss the hand that wrote her declaration, as compensation for being denied more intimate contact.
Reveals Danceny's frustration with Cecilia's modesty and his desire for physical intimacy.
