Dangerous Liaisons, Letter 87 summary

What happens

1. Writing from bed, Merteuil says shock and unwanted public attention make her ill and lead her to consider leaving for the country.
2. She describes meeting Prévan, attending the theater with him, and receiving visits before sending him a deliberately formal supper invitation.
3. She says Prévan enters her bedroom after supper, asks her to remain quiet, and prompts her to ring for help.
4. Her chambermaid summons the servants, whose angry response creates a disturbance that wakes the neighbors.
5. Merteuil reports Prévan’s imprisonment, describes widespread gossip, and asks Madame de Volanges how to respond.

In this letter

What to notice

The question shifts attention from Prévan’s conduct to possible attacks on Merteuil’s reputation. Public sympathy does not remove her stated fear of slander.

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