Dangerous Liaisons, Letter 90 summary
Letter 90 of 177 · 4 min to read the letter
In Letter 90, Madame de Tourvel asks the Viscount de Valmont to leave and end their private meetings, admitting that she cannot control her feelings for him. She insists that she can still govern her actions and appeals to his generosity to restore her peace without making her guilty.
What happens
- Tourvel asks Valmont to leave and avoid private conversations that prevent her from stating her resolve.
- She recalls meeting him in the park yesterday, when thoughts of his love displace her intended request.
- She admits that her feelings resist control but declares her determination to govern her actions.
- She interprets her struggle as Heaven’s punishment for pride and a warning against further risk.
- She offers gratitude and virtuous affection if Valmont grants the separation that she says can restore her peace.
- After describing shame, fear, and a night of tears, she asks him to act generously as she acts from duty.
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In this letter
What to notice
The admission separates emotional honesty from surrender. Tourvel acknowledges her attachment while insisting that it must not determine her conduct.
Quick check
What does Tourvel ask Valmont to do?
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