Dangerous Liaisons, Letter 89 summary
Letter 89 of 177 · 2 min to read the letter
In Letter 89, the Viscount de Valmont tells the Chevalier Danceny that his young friend refuses a plan for exchanging letters and easing meetings, and suggests that Danceny write to persuade her. He presents her resistance as a possible test of affection while claiming that friendship, rather than distrust, drives his concern.
What happens
- Valmont says Mme de Volanges and Danceny’s young friend both obstruct his efforts to help.
- He reports that the young woman rejects his proposed method for delivering letters and making meetings easier.
- He warns that continuing their correspondence risks exposing all three of them.
- He suggests that Danceny write to her and treats her resistance as grounds for questioning her love.
- He softens his warning, claims friendly concern, and closes by mentioning his own less advanced romantic pursuit.
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In this letter
What to notice
Valmont turns refusal of his advice into a question about love. This gives Danceny an emotional reason to press the young woman to cooperate.
Quick check
What does Valmont suggest Danceny do about the rejected arrangement?
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