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Referenced as a novel written during this period that captures the gossiping culture at court - people gossiping about each other, overhearing conversations, and reading letters not meant for them.

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Referenced when discussing the tradition of libertinage in 18th century French aristocracy, mentioning the character Vicomte de Valmont

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Referenced as contributing to the cultural image of scheming aristocrats who viewed torture and sexual sadism as pleasure, part of the propaganda swirl during the revolution

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Referenced as 'Laclau's great novel' when discussing the libertine character of the French aristocracy and court, describing themes of aristocrats being cruel and sexually predatory.