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Dangerous Liaisons, Letter 70 summary

Letter 70 of 177 · 4 min to read the letter

In Letter 70, the Viscount de VALMONT warns the Marquise de MERTEUIL that Prévan accepts a challenge to seduce her and promises to report everything. Valmont asks her to ruin his rival, promises attention to her ward, and explains his refusal of another woman's friendship in favor of a deliberately painful conquest.

What happens

  1. At dinner, Prévan questions Merteuil’s virtue and suggests that her changing interests, rather than firm principles, protect her.
  2. Valmont overhears Prévan accept a challenge to make Merteuil love him and promise to disclose everything.
  3. Valmont acknowledges Prévan’s charm and skill, then asks Merteuil to make this rival ridiculous.
  4. He promises to pursue the affair concerning her ward while continuing his pursuit of the woman he calls his prude.
  5. He rejects that woman’s offer of friendship and describes his plan to make her consciously surrender her virtue.
  6. He announces his departure tomorrow, requests Merteuil’s advice, and repeats his warning about Prévan.

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In this letter

MerteuilValmont

What to notice

The refusal shows that Valmont values conquest over the relationship the woman offers. He treats the name of their relationship as a strategic advantage.

Quick check

What does Prévan promise when he accepts the challenge concerning Merteuil?

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