Madame de Saint Ange

This is one of the most important characters of Philosophy in the Bedroom. She is the mature woman. She is the libertine representing the female aspect. She is the one who is behind the plot to corrupt the younger woman. In this regard, the Madame is very attuned to the Madame of the brothel, who has a similar relation to her younger 'girls'.

This champion of pleasure, the Madame is able to be shameless at least on some occasions which allows her to brag about some matters, particularly sexual ones, that others of a different ilk would be silenced from communicating about. The kindest way to put this is to observe that people differ from one another to some extent.

Her role is very pronounced at the beginning of the book. She is very congenial but also quite controlling on many occasions. Her prominence and...