Generally, when we talk about people having principles, we mean that they strive in their better moments to do what's right. They have a set of values to live by. When the characters in Les Liaisons Dangereuses mention their principles, chances are they don't mean something morally good. When reading this novel, think of principles as the personal rules people have for effective social advancement. Neither the Vicomte nor the Marquise, for example, will violate their principles, but their principled commitment doesn't make them good people. Their principles dictate their behavior, but their behavior is totally corrupt and wicked.
Questions About Principles
- What is Valmont's chief principle?
- How did the Marquise de Merteuil come by her principles?
- Is the Marquise correct that Cécile de Volanges has no principles? How so?
- Why does Valmont want Madame de Tourvel to believe in virtue?
Chew on This
Principles are rules for living; they're basically amoral.
Violating their personal principles leads to the characters' downfall.