Dangerous Liaisons Pierre Choderlos De Laclos

 

Dangerous Liaisons, written by French writer and Army General Pierre Choderlos de Laclos is an epistolary novel published in four volumes on March 23, 1782. The novel is considered to be one of the most scandalous and controversial novels ever written in European literature. The book depicts how the wealthier class use their power and money to influence and control others, and explores themes such as seduction and revenge. Some people saw it as an attack on French nobility, depicting their corruption and general depravity - although others see it as just a story about two people completely lacking in morals. The former theory would appear to be a bit suspect given that Laclos had the benefit of the patronage of Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans. The book was also read by the likes of Queen Marie Antoinette. It is possible that the book was only seen as a political work after the French Revolution. The story revolves around two narcissistic aristocrats and ex-lovers Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont. Both play seduction games and delight in their powers of manipulation. In their bid to take revenge on each other, they seduce a pious married woman and a virtuous young maiden, with both of them going to greater extents to satisfy their love for seduction and vengeance until the situation inevitably ends in tragedy. The novel inspired many writers and film and stage creators to release adaptations. One of its notable appearances on film was the 1999 teen drama ‘Cruel Intentions.’