Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 72: Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges explained
Danceny writes to Cecilia, expressing envy of Valmont's ability to see her and deliver the letter.
What happens
Danceny writes to Cecilia, expressing envy of Valmont's ability to see her and deliver the letter. He laments his own suffering and guilt over causing her misery, pleads for her forgiveness and continued love, and urges her to trust Valmont as a friend who can help reunite them. He reassures himself of her constancy and ends with tender 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
- Seduction and Manipulation
Valmont's role as a 'friend' who facilitates the correspondence is part of his manipulative scheme, though Danceny naively trusts him.
- Innocence and Experience
Danceny's trusting nature and Cecilia's initial wariness of Valmont contrast with the experienced manipulators around them.
Characters to notice
- Chevalier Danceny
Author of the letter; expresses longing, guilt, and hope for reunion.
- Cecilia Volanges
Recipient; Danceny pleads for her forgiveness and continued love.
- Viscount de Valmont
Mentioned as the friend who will deliver the letter and help reunite the lovers.
- Madame de Volanges
Referenced as having a bad opinion of Valmont and having separated Danceny and Cecilia.
Key passages
“Oh, my Cecilia! How much I envy Valmont’s good fortune; tomorrow he will see you.”
Danceny is jealous that Valmont will be able to see Cecilia in person the next day.
Highlights Danceny's longing and his reliance on Valmont as an intermediary.
“I conjure you, my love, to have a more favourable opinion of him; remember he is my friend, and wishes to be yours; that he can procure me the happiness of seeing you.”
Danceny begs Cecilia to trust Valmont, believing he can help them reunite.
Shows Danceny's naivety and Valmont's manipulation.
