Les Liaisons dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons) Lies and Deceit Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Part.Letter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

You cannot imagine the tissue of unspeakable lies that diabolical shrew has fabricated around me. (1.44.16)

It's funny to hear Valmont, a satanic figure if there ever was one, complain about his enemy being diabolical. Truth is, he's not miffed because Madame de Volanges lied about him (supposedly); he's upset that he's not getting his way. Madame de Volanges' daughter pays the price for her alleged lies.

Quote #5

A carefully chosen section of these letters would show that little Volanges had made all the advances and indeed thrown herself at his head. (2.66.4)

One can lie by telling part of the truth and leaving out the whole of it. Valmont here suggests that, if revenge calls for it, he could make a selection of the correspondence between Cécile and Danceny public—a selection that would make it appear that Cécile's behavior was more scandalous than it really was. Having only part of the truth, the public would assume they knew the whole story.

Quote #6

How dare I tell the truth, when sincerity may be my ruin with you? (2.68.1)

Valmont is crafty and clever. He knows that honesty and truthfulness matter to Madame de Tourvel. He therefore frames her request of him as a request to lie.