LA FEMME SENTIMENTALE ET IDEALISÉE : MME DE TOURVEL DANS LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES
THE SENTIMENTAL AND IDEALIZED WOMAN: MADAME DE TOURVEL IN LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES

Summary/Abstract: The Sentimental and Idealized Woman: Madame de Tourvel in Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Madame de Tourvel, penned by Laclos, is created as a sentimental and idealized woman in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, a renowned libertine novel in the 18th century. Similar to other women in the high society of that time, she accepts an arranged marriage without love, does everything possible to follow her duty, and struggles against her love for Valmont. With much sensitivity for others, she does charity to the poor and respects religious principles and moral values. Between Valmont’s life and her own misfortune, she surrenders to him so as to save his life and to guide him on the right path. After being abandoned by Valmont, she cloisters herself to repent and indulge in self-punishment. In this frenetically materialistic world, Mme de Tourvel embodies a female model who is sentimental and disinterested, and knows how to sympathize and give. In addition, the image of the president of Tourvel has edifying meanings to our current world, with her sensitivity, her sense of duty and her sincerity. After reading this novel, we wonder whether it is essential to focus on the moral level while pursuing material facilities and modern techniques. Shall we pay some interest in others and bring them sensitivity, tenderness and good grace while focusing on competition and self-interest?

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