Dangerous Liaisons, Part 44 summary
Part 44 of 177 · 3 min to read the part
In Continuation of Letter XL, the Vicomte de Valmont explains how his conditional promises and planned departure serve his pursuit of Madame de Tourvel, while he seeks the source of her distrust. He describes an unsuccessful search of her desk and remains determined to obtain the letters she keeps in her pockets.
What happens
- Valmont explains that asking Tourvel to identify his accusers lets him promise concessions without expecting to fulfill them.
- He sees departure as a way to secure correspondence and his requested meeting as preparation for further meetings.
- He suspects her husband, but plans to divide Tourvel from any close friend who opposes him.
- During dinner, he pretends to suffer a nosebleed and searches her desk, finding no papers.
- He concludes that Tourvel carries her letters in her pockets and wishes he could steal them.
- Tourvel shows concern for his supposed illness, which he presents as agitation she causes.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Dangerous Liaisons, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
In this part
What to notice
Valmont makes Tourvel’s refusal an excuse for violating her privacy. The line exposes how he converts resistance into permission for further manipulation.
Quick check
Where does Valmont conclude Tourvel keeps her letters?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Dangerous Liaisons, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
