Both of these characters are portrayed as very charming and very manipulative. They are also both very aware of the social implications of their behavior and the gossip and judgment that are pervasive in their social circles. The Vicomte is a seducer of women and refuses to fail in this quest. When he carelessly seduces Cecile, taking her virginity and thereby compromising her virtue, he angers her music teacher Danceny, and also offends her mother...
Both of these characters are portrayed as very charming and very manipulative. They are also both very aware of the social implications of their behavior and the gossip and judgment that are pervasive in their social circles. The Vicomte is a seducer of women and refuses to fail in this quest. When he carelessly seduces Cecile, taking her virginity and thereby compromising her virtue, he angers her music teacher Danceny, and also offends her mother (previously his admirer). When he loses face, he becomes erratic and, while drunk, challenges Danceny to a duel, leading to his death. In this way, the behavior he once prided himself on, and that lent him legendary status among many in court, leads to his downfall.
Similarly, the Marquise is also known for her sexual prowess. She manipulates the Vicomte by saying she is still in love with him, but then reveals she has seduced Danceny in retaliation for his seduction of Cecile. Her seduction of Danceny (also a virgin) after Cecile breaks his heart ultimately leaves her dissatisfied and eventually rejected by her social circle. Both characters enjoy popularity and status via their reputations as sexual dynamos; but this behavior ultimately lessens their social standing.
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