Dangerous Liaisons, Letter 138 summary
Letter 138 of 177 · 3 min to read the letter
In Letter 138, Valmont denies being in love and tells Merteuil how he leaves his lover for Émilie, only to encounter the abandoned woman beside his carriage. When his lover dismisses him, he sends emotional explanations and prepares to seek forgiveness in person, despite her repeated refusal to see him.
What happens
- Valmont asks Merteuil to return and insists that his conduct proves he is not in love.
- He abruptly leaves his lover and meets Émilie at the Opera to demonstrate his independence.
- A traffic jam traps their carriage beside his lover’s, and Émilie laughs while examining her.
- His lover sends a messenger, learns he is staying out overnight, and dismisses him by note.
- Valmont answers with emotional explanations, then prepares a visit despite a second note refusing to see him.
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In this letter
What to notice
Valmont explains his resistance to the breakup through pride and his relationship with Merteuil, rather than admitting attachment to his lover.
Quick check
Why does Valmont say he continues the affair after receiving his dismissal?
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