Dangerous Liaisons, Letter 137 summary
Letter 137 of 177 · 5 min to read the letter
In Letter 137, the Viscount de Valmont answers the Présidente de Tourvel’s accusations by explaining his encounter with Émilie and admitting a physical lapse while denying that his love changes. He asks Tourvel to separate desire from devotion and makes her forgiveness the condition of his happiness.
What happens
- Valmont says Tourvel’s letter shocks him and denies intending to humiliate or degrade her.
- He claims a missed appointment leads him to the Opera House, where Émilie asks him for a ride home.
- He says Émilie deliberately displays herself and laughs at his distress when he encounters Tourvel.
- Valmont admits a physical lapse but argues that brief desire does not injure his enduring love.
- He asks Tourvel for comfort and forgiveness, reminding her of their shared happiness and her promise from yesterday.
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In this letter
Quick check
According to Valmont, why does Émilie laugh?
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