Dangerous Liaisons, Letter 145 summary

What happens

1. Merteuil celebrates Valmont’s use of her breakup letter and declares that her real victory is over him.
2. She argues that he still loves Mrs. de Tourvel but sacrifices her because he fears ridicule.
3. She accuses him of wanting both the credit for leaving Tourvel and the pleasure of returning to her.
4. Merteuil explains that she designs the letter to wound her rival so deeply that reconciliation becomes impossible.
5. She asks for news of little Volanges and wants Valmont to delay deciding the girl’s future until they discuss it.
6. She announces her approaching return to Paris and closes with affection and a promise to demonstrate it.

In this letter

What to notice

Merteuil presents Valmont’s vanity as stronger than his love. The accusation supports her claim that she controls his actions by making him ashamed.

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