Dangerous Liaisons Religion

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In Choderlos de Laclos epistolary novel, Dangerous Liaisons, there are several prominent themes that reoccur throughout the novel, two being seduction and manipulation. While those themes play a large role, one theme that has significant influence in character development is religion. The relationship between the Vicomte de Valmont and the Présidente de Tourvel develops throughout the novel based upon the evolving importance that religion and faith have in the decision making of the two characters.
One of the main plot lines in this novel is based upon a bet between the Vicomte de Valmont and the Marquise de Merteuil; in short, Valmont wagers that if he is able to seduce the very religious woman, Tourvel, Merteuil will agree to be with him again when he visits Paris. Valmont being both a womanizer and promiscuous takes on this bet and begins his manipulation of Tourvel. At this initial stage, it is important to take into account the values of both …show more content…

She emphasizes her happiness in her current life and she does not want to mess it up for an uncertain love-affair. Tourvel writes, “Beloved and esteemed by a husband, who I love and respect, my duty and pleasure are united in the same object; I am happy; I ought be so. If there are more lively pleasures existing, I wish them not; I will not be acquainted with them” (Letter LVI). In this letter, Tourvel seems to have realized Valmont’s true intentions, and chooses her faith and husband at this specific time over Valmont. It seems that Tourvel has not strayed as far from her religion as Valmont had wished and Valmont has not yet proven his change of heart and commitment to religion in a manner that Tourvel believes that he is truly trying to grow in his “faith.” Valmont responds to her silence by stating that he cannot transfer his love for her to friendship as she implied in her

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