Dangerous Liaisons, Letter 33 summary
Letter 33 of 177 · 4 min to read the letter
In Letter 33, the Marquise de Merteuil criticizes the Viscount de Valmont for writing to Mme de Tourvel, arguing that letters strengthen resistance rather than awaken surrender. She urges him to stop writing and speak in person, while expressing confidence that Tourvel’s intense defense may exhaust her strength.
What happens
- Merteuil distinguishes Valmont’s real mistake, writing letters, from his failure to seize a possible opportunity.
- She argues that written persuasion gives Tourvel time to reflect and become attached to her own objections.
- She claims that artificial feeling shows through orderly writing, whereas voice, tears, and presence can make speech persuasive.
- She advises Valmont to obey the prohibition on further letters and wait for a conversation.
- She identifies weaknesses in Tourvel’s defense, returns two letters, and briefly reports progress with little Volanges.
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In this letter
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What does Merteuil advise Valmont to do?
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