How we cite our quotes: (Part.Letter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Better die than live guiltily. I am already, I feel, only too guilty; only my good sense remains to me; virtue has disappeared. (3.102.5)
Madame de Tourvel is explaining to her friend why she had to leave her estate so unexpectedly. She feels guilty about her feelings for Valmont so she decides to remove herself from temptation. Unlike most other characters, she takes a look at how she got herself into this situation, by not knowing enough about love and by thinking she could resist her feelings.
Quote #8
To be the instrument of one's own misery… (3.108.2)
To her credit, Madame de Tourvel doesn't blame others for her own faults and failings. She knows she's to blame and she accepts the resulting misery as just. What a refreshing idea. It's especially tragic that she's destroyed by guilt, since her downfall has been carefully orchestrated by Merteuil and Valmont.
Quote #9
Almighty God, I submit to your justice. But pardon Valmont. Let only my miseries, which I acknowledge I deserve, not be held against him and I shall ever be grateful for your mercy!
The tragedy of this prayer is that Valmont is to blame as well. Why does Madame de Tourvel not also pray for God's mercy upon herself? After all, from Tourvel's Christian standpoint, she's not beyond salvation; forgiveness is available, but she can't forgive herself.