Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 58: Viscount de Valmont to the Presidente de Tourvel explained
Valmont writes a passionate and manipulative letter to Madame de Tourvel, defending his conduct and pleading for the continuation of their correspondence.
What happens
Valmont writes a passionate and manipulative letter to Madame de Tourvel, defending his conduct and pleading for the continuation of their correspondence. He claims absolute submission to her will while accusing her of unjust severity and threatening the consequences of her rejection.
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
- Seduction and Manipulation
Valmont uses emotional appeals, feigned submission, and veiled threats to manipulate Tourvel into maintaining contact.
- Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Valmont presents himself as a respectful, suffering lover while his true intent is to gain power over Tourvel.
- Love, Virtue, and Corruption
Valmont twists the language of love and virtue to justify his obsessive pursuit, corrupting the ideal of pure affection.
Characters to notice
- Viscount de Valmont
Author of the letter; employs rhetorical manipulation to portray himself as a devoted, suffering lover.
- Madame de Tourvel
Recipient of the letter; Valmont addresses her reproaches and attempts to guilt her into continued correspondence.
Key passages
“The most violent, and yet the most respectful attachment, the most absolute submission to your will, is, in a few words, the history of my conduct and sentiments towards you.”
Valmont claims his behavior has been one of intense devotion and complete obedience to Tourvel's wishes.
This opening sets up his self-serving narrative of innocence and sacrifice.
“Will you never tell yourself—he made me arbitress of his fate, and I made him miserable; he implored my aid, and I did not even give him a compassionate glance—”
Valmont imagines Tourvel feeling guilty for rejecting him, framing her refusal as cruel indifference.
He uses hypothetical guilt to pressure her emotionally.
“A learned writer has said, that in order to dispel one’s fears, it would be almost always sufficient to search the cause.”
Valmont cites an authority to argue that Tourvel's fears are irrational and can be overcome by understanding them.
He employs intellectual appeal to undermine her resistance.
