Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 9: Madame de Volanges to the Presidente de Tourvel explained
Madame de Volanges warns Madame de Tourvel about the dangerous character of Viscount de Valmont, describing him as a calculating libertine who seduces and ruins women without remorse.
What happens
Madame de Volanges warns Madame de Tourvel about the dangerous character of Viscount de Valmont, describing him as a calculating libertine who seduces and ruins women without remorse. She advises Tourvel to distance herself from Valmont and even leave the chateau if necessary. She also mentions that her daughter's marriage to Count Gercourt is delayed due to his military orders.
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 is portrayed as a master manipulator who seduces women for his own cruel purposes.
- Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Madame de Volanges warns that Valmont's charming exterior hides a false and dangerous nature.
- Gender and Power Dynamics
The letter highlights the vulnerability of women to predatory men like Valmont, and the power of reputation in controlling women's behavior.
Characters to notice
- Madame de Volanges
Writes to warn Tourvel about Valmont's character and advises her to avoid him.
- Madame de Tourvel
Recipient of the letter; warned about Valmont's dangerous nature.
- Viscount de Valmont
Described as a false, dangerous, and calculating libertine who targets women.
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Mentioned as the only woman who has successfully resisted and defeated Valmont.
- Cecilia Volanges
Her marriage to Count Gercourt is delayed due to his military orders.
- Count Gercourt
His regiment is ordered to Corsica, delaying his marriage to Cecilia.
Key passages
“He is yet more false and dangerous than he is lovely and seducing: never since his earliest youth, has he taken a step, or spoke a word, without a design; and never formed a design that was not criminal or improper.”
Valmont is even more deceitful and perilous than he is attractive; every action and word he has ever made has been calculated, and every plan he has formed has been wicked or immoral.
Madame de Volanges warns Tourvel that Valmont's charm is a mask for his calculated villainy.
“I therefore advise you to prevail on his aunt not to detain him longer; and if he should still determine to remain, I think you should not hesitate a moment on quitting the place.”
I urge you to convince his aunt to send him away; if he insists on staying, you should leave immediately without delay.
Madame de Volanges strongly advises Tourvel to distance herself from Valmont to protect her reputation.
“Count Gercourt, whom we daily expected, informs me his regiment is ordered for Corsica; and as the military operations are not yet over, it will be impossible for him to return before winter.”
Count Gercourt, who we expected any day, has told me his regiment has been sent to Corsica, and due to ongoing military actions, he cannot return until winter.
The delay in Gercourt's return postpones Cecilia's marriage.
