How we cite our quotes: (Part.Letter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I assure you the world is not nearly as amusing as we used to imagine it was. (1.3.5)
The early letters in the book serve to establish the worldviews of the different characters involved. Still a child, Cécile has come home from the convent. She's approaching the age of marriage and therefore is being exposed to adult life among the wealthy. She and Sophie must have imagined how exciting it would be to be grown-up, but this was a child's reality.
Quote #2
These scandalous stories do not reach you in your modest and secluded world. (1.9.3)
Madame de Volanges is desperate to convince Madame de Tourvel what a huge mistake it would be to associate with Valmont. However, she knows Madame de Tourvel's lived a very sheltered life and that the stories of his exploits are probably unfamiliar to her. How one perceives reality and interprets its meaning can depend upon the social circle you travel in.
Quote #3
You will, I have no doubt, be very pleased, Madame, to know something about Monsieur de Valmont which cannot, it seems to me, be reconciled with the representations of his character made to you. (1.22.1)
Both in their actions and in their letters, the characters in this novel create a variety of realities, especially about themselves. Valmont's worked hard to earn his reputation as a rogue. Now, to win the heart of Madame de Tourvel, he has to show her another face and convince her that the stories she's heard are not accurate.