Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos (Book Analysis)

This practical and insightful reading guide offers a complete summary and analysis of Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. It provides a thorough exploration of the novel’s plot, characters and main themes, including seduction and excess. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

This clear and detailed 26-page reading guide is structured as follows:

• Biography of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos
• Presentation of Dangerous Liaisons
• Summary of Dangerous Liaisons
• Character study
  • The Marquise de Merteuil
  • Le Vicomte de Valmont
  • Cécile de Volanges
  • Madame de Tourvel
• Analysis of Dangerous Liaisons
  • An epistolary novel
  • A libertine novel
  • The subject of scandal

About Dangerous Liaisons

Dangerous Liaisons was first published in 1782. The novel takes the form of a series of letters, which are presented to the reader as authentic and recount the narrators’ various romantic intrigues. It focuses on the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, two rivals and former lovers who, through their use of seduction to humiliate others, highlight the excesses of the French aristocracy before the Revolution.

Although Dangerous Liaisons is now considered to be one of the greatest works of French literature, the novel did not always enjoy the popularity that it now has today. It caused a scandal when it was first published and so was censored until the 19^th century; as a result, it was read in secret.

About Pierre Choderlos de Laclos

Pierre Choderlos de Laclos was a French soldier and writer who was born in 1741 and died in 1803. After growing bored of his unsatisfying career in the military, he decided to turn to writing, and resolved to write a novel that would really make an impact on people. Dangerous Liaisons, his first and only masterpiece, exceeded his wildest expectations.