Dangerous Liaisons

Style and Technique

«Dangerous Liaisons» by Choderlos de Laclos is a classic example of an epistolary novel, meaning a work written in the form of letters. The literary language in the book is characterized by elegance and grace, typical of the Enlightenment era. The author skillfully uses the dialogues and monologues of the characters to reveal their personalities and motivations, creating multifaceted and convincing portrayals. The narrative structure, built on the exchange of letters between the main characters, allows the reader to piece together the unfolding events, gradually immersing themselves in the intrigues and psychological games of the characters. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story, making the reading experience particularly captivating. Laclos also addresses themes of morality and ethics, exploring the boundaries of what is permissible in social and personal relationships, which keeps his work relevant across generations.