# Letter 105: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace writes to Belford about his ongoing correspondence with Clarissa, his schemes to control her communications, and his plans to prevent a reconciliation with her family. He discusses his alias 'Robert Huntingford,' his instructions for directing letters, and his interactions with the Sorlings family, while asserting his unwavering fixation on Clarissa.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace adopts the alias 'Robert Huntingford' and instructs Belford to write in cipher, highlighting the theme of concealment and false appearances.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace manipulates communications, influences Mrs. Howe through Antony, and schemes to control Clarissa's access to her family and friend.

### Libertinism and Morality

Lovelace's rakish behavior, including his casual advances toward the Sorlings daughters, exemplifies libertine morality.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Author of the letter; reveals his manipulative schemes and his obsession with Clarissa.

### John Belford

Recipient of the letter; Lovelace instructs him to write in cipher and discusses his character.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Lovelace's beloved; she is writing to Anna Howe and has requested clothes and books from her family.

### Anna Howe

Clarissa's correspondent; Lovelace fears her influence and seeks to disrupt their communication.

### Antony Harlowe

Mentioned as an agent influencing Mrs. Howe against Clarissa.

### Joseph Leman

Mentioned as an informant; Lovelace references his instructions to him.

## Key lines

> Never was there such a pair of scribbling lovers as we;⁠—yet perhaps whom it so much concerns to keep from each other what each writes.

We are both prolific letter-writers, even though it would be better for us to hide our writings from one another.

_Lovelace comments on the irony of their extensive correspondence._

> My predominant passion is girl , not gold ; nor value I this , but as it helps me to that , and gives me independence.

My main desire is for women, not money; I only value wealth as a means to pursue women and secure my freedom.

_Lovelace declares his priorities to Belford._

> I have changed my name: changed it without an act of parliament. 'Robert Huntingford' it is now.

I have adopted the alias Robert Huntingford without any legal process.

_Lovelace informs Belford of his new pseudonym for secrecy._

## Links

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