Laclos essay

« she clearly has feeling for him and that she is writing the letter against her will.

Laclos also let the reader see things from the characters point of view.

In letter 8, the reader can guess how naive the presidente de Tourvel is about Valmont : “but he seems to me to be worthier than people think”.

This feeling is enhanced by the use of the first person in the letters : “I am sad anxious”-Letter 39, “I have seen Danceny...”-Letter 53.

The reader is also able to draw a portrait of each character through their letters.

Valmont’s calculating side is strongly noticeable in letter 21, where he helps poor people in order to be perceived as a hero to - wards women ( in the eyes of the présidente).

Moreover, Cecile’s naivety is as well demonstrated by the way she fell in love with Danceny even though she was going to get married “I am loving you and weeping.My mother is not speaking to me any more”Letter 69. To conclude, Laclos used the epistolary form to make his novel look as real and au - thentic as possible.

By using this form, he also put the reader into the characters’ minds so that he/she can perceive the letters feelings through their writing.. »