Dangerous Liaisons, Letter 9 summary
Letter 9 of 177 · 3 min to read the letter
In Letter 9, Madame de Volanges warns the Presidente de Tourvel that Valmont deliberately harms women and that sharing his retreat threatens her reputation. She urges her friend to arrange his departure or leave herself, then explains that military duties delay her daughter’s marriage to the Count de Gercourt.
What happens
- Madame de Volanges rejects Tourvel’s favorable view of Valmont and describes his misconduct as deliberate rather than impulsive.
- She claims that every woman Valmont courts suffers, except the Marquise de Merteuil, whom she praises for resisting him.
- She warns that Valmont’s stay with Tourvel and his aunt exposes Tourvel’s reputation to danger.
- She advises Tourvel to seek his departure or leave, and suspects that his country retreat conceals harmful plans.
- She reports that Gercourt’s military assignment delays her daughter’s wedding and sends regards to Mme de Rosemonde.
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In this letter
What to notice
Madame de Volanges presents his misconduct as a settled choice rather than a temporary weakness. This claim supports her demand that Tourvel keep her distance.
Quick check
Why does the marriage to Gercourt face a delay?
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