Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 115: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace exults in his schemes against the Harlowes, mocking their foolishness and predicting Clarissa's fall.
What happens
Lovelace exults in his schemes against the Harlowes, mocking their foolishness and predicting Clarissa's fall. He recounts his conversation with her about the garden-door noise, boasts of his stratagems, and reflects on bashfulness, modesty, and the nature of women. He also details his menaces toward her brother and Solmes, and his plans to punish Betty Barnes and Joseph Leman.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace boasts of his stratagems and contrivances to manipulate the Harlowes and Clarissa, reveling in his 'glorious mischief.'
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace discusses how his assertions were near the truth but deceptive, and reflects on the difference between what women think and what they act.
Libertinism and Morality
Lovelace's rakish philosophy, his views on modesty and impudence, and his self-comparison to rakes highlight libertine morality.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Exults in his contrivances, boasts of his stratagems, and reflects on his bashfulness and knowledge of women.
- John Belford
The recipient of Lovelace's letter, addressed as 'Jack' and confidant to his schemes.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Referred to as 'the lady' and 'the fair one'; Lovelace discusses her potential fall and his plans to gain her confidence.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Mentioned as 'this foolish brother' and as a target of Lovelace's menaces.
- Mr. Solmes
Referenced as a rival whom the Harlowes would give up; Lovelace menaces him.
- Betty Barnes
Lovelace plans to punish her as part of his schemes.
Key passages
“Never did I hear of such a parcel of foolish toads as these Harlowes!”
Lovelace expresses contempt for the Harlowes, calling them a group of foolish people.
Highlights Lovelace's disdain for the Harlowe family's actions.
“What a capacity for glorious mischief has thy friend!”
Lovelace boasts of his own talent for creating trouble.
Reflects Lovelace's pride in his manipulative schemes.
“I was originally a bashful mortal. Indeed I am bashful still with regard to this lady”
Lovelace claims he is naturally shy, especially around Clarissa.
Reveals Lovelace's self-awareness and his strategic use of bashfulness.
“That even we rakes love modesty in a woman; while the modest woman, as they are accounted, (that is to say, the slyest), love, and generally prefer, an impudent man.”
Lovelace argues that rakes appreciate modesty, but supposedly modest women actually prefer bold men.
Illustrates Lovelace's cynical view of female nature and his libertine philosophy.