the Scenic Characteristics in Laclos' Dangerous Liaisons

Abstract

The Dangerous Liaisons is Laclos1 unique novel. In this novel where the scenic elements are mostly used, it is possible to find Moliere's and Racine's marks. Obeing the three unities, the unity of time, place and action, the letters that we can consider as the dialogues, the respect of the great resemblance of Valmont, Laclos' protagonist with Don Juan, Moliere's hero, the scenic terminologie of the heros, the presence of the resemblant technique and tragique subject in the Racine's works are the reasons which permit us to say that Laclos' novel is deeply influenced by the theatre. Why did Laclos follow this way? We don't know the real reason of this choice, but we can say that Laclos' familiar life with the theatre and his attempt to put on Ernestine, Mrs. Riccobini's novel, are perhaps the reasons which encourage him to write a scenic novel. Our aim in this study is to demonstrate the scenic elements in the Dangerous Liaisons, epistolary novel.