Dangerous Liaisons, Letter 20 summary

What happens

1. Merteuil teases Valmont about his proposal to renew their intimacy but postpones accepting it.
2. She offers herself as a reward for seducing Madame de Tourvel, provided he brings written proof.
3. Until he meets that condition, she says she remains faithful to her chevalier.
4. She describes Volanges and Danceny as mutually in love, although the girl does not recognize her feelings.
5. She considers instructing Volanges to undermine the innocence Gercourt expects in his wife.
6. She ends by urging Valmont to succeed with Tourvel.

In this letter

What to notice

Merteuil makes evidence, not Valmont’s claim alone, the condition of her promise. Her demand turns Tourvel’s private surrender into a trophy.

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