Third Dialogue, Part Two Summary and Analysis

After excoriating the idea of charity, Dolmance turn his focus to the idea of virtue in general. What follows is an argument regarding moral relativism. Dolmance claims that since one culture's vice is another's virtue, and vice versa, the pursuit of so-called virtue in any culture is a fool's errand. He narrows his criticism to parental to parental autocracy over young women, scoffing at the notion that a girl need be protected from an amorous lifestyle. On the contrary, the pursuit of sexual pleasure is the most vital pursuit a young woman can undertake. Dolmance recommends Eugenie find a female friend who can be her conspirator in prostituting herself.

At this point, Madame de Saint-Ange takes over the lesson. She numerates for Eugenie the means by which a woman can enjoy thousands of lovers. The...