The story unfolds in the form of letters written between the principal characters, giving it a unique literary texture. By using this style, de Laclos is able to give the reader a shockingly intimate look at these people as they divulge their most intimate secrets and bring to fruition their sinister plans.

The protagonists, The Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, consider it their life’s ambition to sadistically control and dominate those around them through sexual intrigue. These two villains are indeed locked in psychological combat to see who can actually ‘out-do’ the other in stalking, capturing and destroying the souls of others. Taking absolute pleasure in ripping any virtue from the hearts of their prey, Merteuil and Valmont wave their accomplishments in front of each other like spoils

Valmont ultimately meets his end in a ludicrously honorable fashion when he engages in a dual with Chevalier Danceny, consequential of his exploits with the young Cecile. The Marquise de Merteuil, on the other hand, falls prey to a hideous, disfiguring disease, which seems a bit more fitting of her crimes.

Even though Les Liaisons Dangereuses sold out within days of the initial publication in Paris (1782), it was considered a most abominable piece of trash and created an incredible uproar. De Laclos shocked his readers to new heights of intrigue and disgust. At one point, the French government actually banned the book. However, it continued to be read and discussed, and has thus endured as a most disturbing portrait of eighteenth century nobility.

I suggest Merteuil’s bitter reaction was a result of the obvious sexual tension that exists between herself and Valmont. Although, these individuals seem not capable of such emotion, it is almost out of jealousy that she lashes out over Madame de Tourvel.

Although, it would be a mistake to depict Valmont as anything but the monster th

Some topics in this essay:
Gercourt Cecile, Les Liaisons, Tourvel Marquise, Liaisons Dangereuses, Estate France, Merteuil Vicomte, Merteuil Valmont, De Laclos, Cecile Marquise, Tourvel Valmont, les liaisons, de tourvel, marquise de, marquise de merteuil, de merteuil, les liaisons dangereuses, liaisons dangereuses, de laclos, madame de tourvel, madame de, eighteenth century, vicomte de, vicomte de valmont, de valmont,