Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos (Part Four)

[Jamie]

This is for the discussion of Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos (Part Four).

[Gitte]

I finished it last night. I'm curious to hear what everyone thought of the ending?

[Silver]

I was quite amused by the cat and mouse games that Valmont and Merteuil played with each other, and how they tried to manipulate and control one another with their professions of jealousies over each others affairs.

I loved the way in which whenever Valmont would express his desire to come to Merteuil she would find some excuse to put him off and when Merteuil would declare wanting Valmont to come to her, he would find an excuse to put her off.

[Silver]

I am currious what you think of what became of Présidente de Tourvel?

I have to admit I could never bring myself to see her as a sympathetic character. I felt as if she did invite her own sorrows upon herself. She was too wishy washy for me, and I found it quite frustrating the way she would always claim she was going to do one thing, or vow to swear off Valmont, but than always backed down on her convictions and gave in.

[Gitte]

I don't think she was particularly interesting as a character... She was very proud of her morals and convictions, but she still gave in to the first guy who tried to charm her. An dying from a broken heart seems a bit extreme...

[Silver]

Yes I thought that bit seemed a bit over the top

[Silver]

I am curious to see what people think.

Do you feel that Danceny is as much of a victim as Cecile? Or is he more culpable of his actions than she is?

As a man, did he have more power and ability to resist the seduction of Merteuil than Cecilia did Valmont?

Or because of his own naivety and innocence, is he equally deserving of sympathy?

[Jamie]

Since I had to switch to the kindle version of the book I have no clue where each part begins and ends so I haven't commented lately. I am about 85% done. I am starting to see the break down of Valmont and Merteuil relationship since Merteuil does not want to fulfill the bet. I was disgusted at how Valmont treated Cecile and amazed at how she continued to allow him in her room. Présidente de Tourvel is going to be crushed when she finds out Valmont really doesn't love her. She already had a scare when she saw him in his carriage with another woman. I am wondering why there seem to be no letters from Cecile right now. I guess they will pop-up again.

[Jamie]

Well, I finally finished! As I assumed karma worked its magic but it was unfortunate Cecile went into a convent for life and Danceny moved away. This was not a happily ever after ending. I would have been happy enough for Valmont and Merteuil to have just been publicly humiliated and for Cecile and Danceny to learn from their mistakes and live happy lives. Really Cecile was mostly a victim and she didn't deserve more punishment than she already received.

[Jamie]

Silver wrote: "I am currious what you think of what became of Présidente de Tourvel?

I have to admit I could never bring myself to see her as a sympathetic character. I felt as if she did invite her own sorrow..."

I did not like how Présidente de Tourvel died and really forgot to even mention her in my last post. I feel Danceny is more responsible for his actions because he didn't grow up in a convent like Cecile. He had to know a little more about the world. I wouldn't think he did much wrong if he hadn't been with Merteuil while being in "love" with Cecile. I don't see the dual as wrong because if someone I loved was treated like Cecile by Valmont I would probably want to hurt them too.