How we cite our quotes: (Part.Letter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
I have kept my reputation untarnished; should you not therefore have concluded that I, who was born to revenge my sex and master yours, have been able to discover methods of doing so unknown even to myself? (2.81.10)
Interesting that Madame de Merteuil believes that her calling or vocation is to revenge her sex and master men. Women aren't powerless in this society, but they definitely have less autonomy and control over their lives than the men do. Sexism reigns: Valmont coerces women into having sex, and it's their reputations, not his, that are ruined.
Quote #8
When I bear someone a grudge, I don't indulge in sarcasms. I do better than that. I take my revenge. (4.159.1)
The Marquise knows how to belittle her opponents. She throws Valmont's taunting her back in his face, implying it's a weakness on his part. She must have invented the phrase, "Don't get mad, get even."
Quote #9
Heaven has taken up your cause, and God revenges upon your behalf the injury of which you are ignorant. He tied my tongue and kept back my words, fearing that you might overlook the fault that He intended to punish. He shielded me from your kindness, which would have thwarted his justice. Pitiless in His vengeance, He has delivered me over to the very man who was my ruin. (4.161.3-4)
Overcome with guilt, Madame de Tourvel despairs. She does not believe herself worthy of mercy or forgiveness, but of divine retribution. Unlike Valmont and Merteuil, Madame Tourvel does not seek revenge upon others; she prays that she herself suffers the torments she believes she deserves, but believes that the revenge will be God's. Part of that revenge is that she still loves Valmont.