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Dangerous Liaisons, Letter 54 summary

Letter 54 of 177 · 3 min to read the letter

In Letter 54, the Marquise de Merteuil tells the Viscount de Valmont how she keeps Mrs Volanges away so her daughter can meet Danceny, only to resent his lack of progress. She questions the girl’s account of resisting him and proposes to educate her as a trusted female companion.

What happens

  1. Merteuil dismisses Danceny’s possible claims to Valmont and promises revenge for the risks she takes on his behalf.
  2. She persuades the unwell Mrs Volanges to go out, leaving her daughter free to meet Danceny.
  3. When Mrs Volanges wants to return, Merteuil delays her by claiming the carriage ride could endanger her health.
  4. After returning, Merteuil learns that the daughter renews her promises of love but Danceny goes no further than before.
  5. Merteuil doubts the girl’s claimed resistance, tests her responsiveness, and expresses a wish to teach and confide in her.
  6. She restricts Valmont’s visiting hours because she has an evening appointment with the Chevalier.

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In this letter

MerteuilValmontDancenyMadame de Volanges

What to notice

Merteuil moves beyond arranging meetings to proposing a direct role in the daughter’s education. She also hopes to gain a female confidante.

Quick check

How does Merteuil delay Mrs Volanges’s return home?

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