Dangerous Liaisons, Letter 128 summary
Letter 128 of 177 · 2 min to read the letter
In Letter 128, the President de Tourvel tells Madame de Rosemonde that she gives herself to Monsieur de Valmont because he presents his happiness as the alternative to his death. She refuses regret, makes his happiness her sole purpose, and risks losing Rosemonde’s esteem rather than hiding the truth.
What happens
- Tourvel acknowledges Rosemonde’s delayed reply and openly confesses her attachment to Valmont.
- She explains that she chooses Valmont’s happiness when he places it against his death.
- She admits terrible anguish but says the thought of his happiness transforms her suffering into pleasure.
- She makes Valmont her only judge and places her memory in his hands.
- She closes by choosing honesty over preserving Rosemonde’s esteem through deception.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Dangerous Liaisons, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
In this letter
What to notice
Tourvel gives Valmont authority over her worth and memory. This makes his judgment more important to her than outside reproaches.
Quick check
Why does Tourvel confess her attachment to Rosemonde?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Dangerous Liaisons, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
