Dangerous Liaisons, Letter 158 summary
Letter 158 of 177 · 2 min to read the letter
In Letter 158, the Viscount de VALMONT mocks the Marquise de MERTEUIL by claiming responsibility for Danceny’s renewed preference for Cécile over her. He explains his manipulation of their letters and turns his apparent friendliness into a warning against making him an enemy.
What happens
- Valmont mocks Merteuil about the previous night and praises Danceny’s attachment to Cécile.
- He claims that he arranges the night’s test of Danceny under the cover of friendship.
- He admits dictating Cécile’s letter and adding his own advice about Danceny’s choice of lover.
- He predicts that Danceny visits Merteuil and tells her everything.
- He ends by warning Merteuil that his friendship is preferable to his hostility.
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In this letter
What to notice
Valmont takes credit for the interference while pretending to deserve gratitude. The mock courtesy makes his attack on Merteuil explicit.
Quick check
What does Valmont admit doing with Cécile’s letter to Danceny?
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