Pierre Choderlos de Laclos

Pierre Choderlos de Laclos[1†]

Pierre Ambroise François Choderlos de Laclos (1741–1803) was a French novelist, official, Freemason, and army general, renowned for his 1782 epistolary novel "Dangerous Liaisons" (Les Liaisons dangereuses). His novel, a masterpiece of 18th-century literature, delves into aristocratic intrigues and has inspired numerous adaptations and critiques, cementing his reputation as a scandalous writer akin to the Marquis de Sade[1†][2†].

Early Years and Education

Pierre Ambroise François Choderlos de Laclos was born on October 18, 1741, in Amiens, France[2†][1†]. He was born into a bourgeois family[2†][1†][4†], which was a social class that was considered part of the middle class in France.

In 1761, Laclos began his studies at the School of Artillery of La Fère[2†][1†], which is considered the ancestor of the École Polytechnique[2†][1†][4†]. This institution is known for its rigorous curriculum and its focus on science and engineering. His education there would have provided him with a solid foundation in these fields, which would later influence his career in the military.

As a young lieutenant, Laclos briefly served in a garrison at La Rochelle until the end of the Seven Years’ War in 1763[2†][1†][4†]. After this, he was posted to various locations, including Strasbourg (1765–1769), Grenoble (1769–1775), and Besançon (1775–1776)[2†][1†].

Despite his military training and duties, Laclos showed a keen interest in literature and writing from an early age. This interest would later lead him to become one of the most renowned novelists of his time[2†][1†].

Career Development and Achievements

Pierre Choderlos de Laclos had a diverse career that spanned both the military and literary fields[2†][1†].

In the military, Laclos began his career as a young lieutenant, serving briefly in a garrison at La Rochelle until the end of the Seven Years’ War in 1763[2†][1†]. He was then posted to various locations, including Strasbourg (1765–1769), Grenoble (1769–1775), and Besançon (1775–1776)[2†][1†]. Despite a promotion to the rank of captain in 1771, Laclos grew increasingly bored with his artillery garrison duties and with the company of soldiers[2†][1†]. He began to devote his free time to writing[2†][1†].

As a writer, Laclos is best known for his novel “Les Liaisons dangereuses” (Dangerous Liaisons), published in 1782[2†][1†][3†]. This novel, written in epistolary form, deals with the seducer Valmont and his accomplice, Mme de Merteuil, who take unscrupulous delight in their victims’ misery[2†]. The novel caused an immediate sensation and is considered one of the earliest examples of the psychological novel[2†][1†][3†]. It has inspired many critical and analytic commentaries, plays, and films[2†][1†].

In addition to his novel, Laclos also wrote several light poems that appeared in the Almanach des Muses[2†][1†]. He wrote the libretto for an opéra comique, “Ernestine”, inspired by a novel by Marie Jeanne Riccoboni[2†][1†]. However, its premiere on 19 July 1777, in the presence of Queen Marie Antoinette, proved a failure[2†][1†].

Despite his literary achievements, Laclos returned to the military in 1792 and ultimately rose to the rank of general under Napoleon, serving in the Rhine and Italian campaigns[2†].

First Publication of His Main Works

Here is a summary of his main works:

• Light poems in the Almanach des Muses by Sautreau de Marsy (1782): These light poems mark Laclos's early foray into literary expression, showcasing his versatility beyond prose. His contributions to the Almanach des Muses reflect his adeptness in capturing nuanced emotions and societal nuances through poetic form[1†][2†].
• “Ernestine” (1777): As an opéra comique, "Ernestine" exemplifies Laclos's ability to intertwine music with narrative, presenting a tale that resonates with both charm and wit. The operatic setting allows Laclos to explore themes of love and intrigue with a lyrical finesse that complements his literary prowess[1†].
• “Dangerous Liaisons” (Les Liaisons dangereuses, 1782): "Les Liaisons dangereuses" stands as a cornerstone of epistolary literature, delving unflinchingly into the complex web of desires and power dynamics among the French aristocracy. Laclos's adept portrayal of manipulation and seduction remains a timeless critique of social decadence and moral corruption[1†][2†][5†].
• “On the Education of Women” (De l’éducation des femmes, 1785): Laclos's treatise on women's education challenges conventional norms with its progressive insights and advocacy for intellectual equality. Written during a period of evolving social consciousness, this work reflects Laclos's commitment to advancing Enlightenment ideals through thoughtful discourse[1†][2†].
• “Lettre à MM. de l’Académie Française sur l’éloge de M. le Maréchal de Vauban” (1786): Through this letter, Laclos demonstrates his eloquence and erudition in defending the legacy of Marshal Vauban. His meticulous argumentation not only honors Vauban's military genius but also underscores Laclos's own intellectual depth and commitment to historical accuracy[1†][2†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ work, particularly “Les Liaisons dangereuses”, has been the subject of much analysis and evaluation[1†][6†][7†][8†]. The novel, published in 1782, caused a sensation and is considered one of the earliest examples of the psychological novel[1†][6†][8†]. It explores themes of love, power, sexuality, and morality[1†][6†].

The story revolves around the scheming and manipulative activities of two aristocrats, the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont[1†][6†]. They take pleasure in seducing and ruining the reputations of others, using their wit and charm to manipulate those around them[1†][6†]. The novel’s exploration of the amorous intrigues of the aristocracy has made it one of the masterpieces of 18th-century literature[1†].

“Les Liaisons dangereuses” has inspired many critical and analytic commentaries, plays, and films[1†]. Its success was immediate, selling two thousand copies in the first month[1†][9†]. The novel’s exploration of the amorous intrigues of the aristocracy has made it one of the masterpieces of 18th-century literature[1†].

Laclos’ work is unique in French literature, and for a long time, he was considered to be as scandalous a writer as the Marquis de Sade or Nicolas Restif de la Bretonne[1†]. He was a military officer with no illusions about human relations, and an amateur writer[1†]. His initial plan was to "write a work which departed from the ordinary, which made a noise, and which would remain on earth after his death"[1†]. From this perspective, he largely achieved his goals with the fame of his masterwork "Les Liaisons dangereuses"[1†].

Personal Life

Pierre Ambroise François Choderlos de Laclos was born on October 18, 1741, in Amiens, Picardy, in the Kingdom of France[1†]. He was born into a bourgeois family[1†][10†]. In 1760, he began his studies at the School of Artillery of La Fère, which is the ancestor of the École Polytechnique[1†][10†].

As a young lieutenant, he briefly served in a garrison at La Rochelle until the end of the Seven Years’ War in 1763[1†][10†]. He was posted to various locations, including Strasbourg (1765–1769), Grenoble (1769–1775), and Besançon (1775–1776)[1†].

In 1763, Laclos became a Freemason in “L’Union” military lodge in Toul[1†]. Despite a promotion to the rank of captain in 1771, Laclos grew increasingly bored with his artillery garrison duties and the company of soldiers[1†]. He began to devote his free time to writing[1†].

In 1776, Laclos requested and received affiliation with the “Henri IV” lodge in Paris[1†]. There he helped Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, leading the Grand Orient of France[1†]. In 1777, in front of the Grand Orient’s dignitaries, he delivered a speech in which he urged for the initiation of women into Freemasonry[1†].

He died on September 5, 1803, in Taranto, in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies[1†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Pierre Choderlos de Laclos left an indelible mark on French literature with his novel “Les Liaisons dangereuses”, one of the earliest examples of the psychological novel[2†][1†]. His work departed from the ordinary, made a noise, and has indeed remained on earth after his death[2†][1†]. His masterpiece has inspired many critical and analytic commentaries, plays, and films[2†][1†].

Laclos was a military officer with no illusions about human relations, and an amateur writer[2†][1†]. However, his initial plan was to “write a work which departed from the ordinary, which made a noise, and which would remain on earth after his death”; from this point of view, he mostly attained his goals with the fame of his masterwork[2†][1†].

Despite his scandalous reputation, similar to that of the Marquis de Sade or Nicolas-Edme Rétif[2†][11†][3†], Laclos’ influence extends beyond literature. His contributions to the French army, particularly his work on fortifications, were significant[2†][1†]. He rose to the rank of general under Napoleon, serving in the Rhine and Italian campaigns[2†].

In conclusion, Pierre Choderlos de Laclos was a unique figure in French literature and military history. His novel “Les Liaisons dangereuses” continues to be studied and adapted, testifying to its enduring relevance and impact[2†][1†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Pierre-Ambroise-François Choderlos de Laclos[2†][1†]
• Born: October 18, 1741, Amiens, Picardy, Kingdom of France[2†][1†]
• Died: September 5, 1803, Taranto, Parthenopean Republic (now in Italy)[2†][1†]
• Nationality: French[2†][1†]
• Occupation: Novelist, official, Freemason, and army general[2†][1†]
• Notable Works: “Les Liaisons dangereuses” (Dangerous Liaisons) (1782)[2†][1†]
• Notable Achievements: Laclos is best known for writing the epistolary novel “Les Liaisons dangereuses”, one of the earliest examples of the psychological novel[2†][1†]. He was a military officer with no illusions about human relations, and an amateur writer[2†][1†]. His initial plan was to “write a work which departed from the ordinary, which made a noise, and which would remain on earth after his death”; from this point of view, he mostly attained his goals with the fame of his masterwork "Les Liaisons dangereuses"[1†].

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Pierre Choderlos de Laclos [website] - link
2. Britannica - Pierre Choderlos de Laclos: French author [website] - link
3. Goodreads - Author: Pierre Choderlos de Laclos (Author of Les Liaisons dangereuses) [website] - link
4. Kiddle Encyclopedia - Pierre Choderlos de Laclos Facts for Kids [website] - link
5. GradeSaver - Pierre Choderlos de Laclos Biography [website] - link
6. SuperSummary - Dangerous Liaisons Summary and Study Guide [website] - link
7. Cambridge University Press - The Cambridge Introduction to French Literature - Chapter: Laclos: dangerous liaisons (Chapter 12) [website] - link
8. Britannica - Dangerous Liaisons: novel by Laclos [website] - link
9. Lapham’s Quarterly - Laclos [website] - link
10. Fandom - Military Wiki - Pierre Choderlos de Laclos [website] - link
11. IMDb - Choderlos de Laclos [website] - link