Dangerous Liaisons, Letter 117 summary
Letter 117 of 177 · 3 min to read the letter
In Letter 117, Cécile Volanges writes to the Chevalier Danceny under Valmont’s dictation, defending her refusal to grant his request and hoping her mother might prevent her marriage to Gercourt. She promises to become Danceny’s if that marriage proves unavoidable, while asking him to stop pressing her for now.
What happens
- Cécile answers Danceny’s reproaches by insisting that she shares his suffering and finds his request difficult to refuse.
- She argues that yielding could bring lifelong unhappiness and weaken his love if they marry.
- Gercourt’s delayed arrival and her mother’s growing affection give her hope of avoiding the unwanted marriage.
- She promises to yield to Danceny if marriage to Gercourt becomes unavoidable, provided Danceny promises lasting love.
- She complains about Valmont’s pressure on Danceny’s behalf, praises his friendship, and ends after writing into the night.
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In this letter
What to notice
The question separates her declared love from immediate compliance. It supports her request for delay without withdrawing her affection.
Quick check
What gives Cécile hope of avoiding marriage to Gercourt?
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