We'd be shocked if a novel comprised of "dangerous" communication didn't have something to say about the nature and function of language. Never fear: Dangerous Liaisons is shocking for other reasons. The book's a fictional collection of letters by French aristocrats to one another. Some of the correspondence is sincere and friendly, some of it's false and scornful and downright cruel. Most of the letter writers are trying to manipulate others and get away with it. The letters show how language both reveals and conceals the truth—and how the degree to which this happens depends a lot on the intentions and perspectives of the writers. Words have power. Dangerous power.
Questions About Language and Communication
- How does Danceny's style of letter writing differ from that of the Marquise?
- Why are the characters willing to put such incriminating things about themselves into writing? Have we learned anything since then? (Hint: No)
- Why does the Marquise say that the arrangement of words in a letter matters?
- If people don't believe expressions such as "your humble servant," why do they use them? Where did these sign-off conventions come from?
Chew on This
The Vicomte is a way better letter writer than the Marquise.
The Marquise and Vicomte are way too self-absorbed to think anyone would dare to make their letters public.