Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 118: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford, expressing frustration that he cannot oblige Clarissa to accept money or gifts from him, as he believes financial dependence would humble her pride.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford, expressing frustration that he cannot oblige Clarissa to accept money or gifts from him, as he believes financial dependence would humble her pride. He recounts his manipulative proposal to have Hannah or one of the Sorlings attend her, revealing his secret delight that Hannah is ill and thus unavailable. He also reflects on his own reformation as intermittent and admits a desire to bring Clarissa down to his level through some imperfection, so their comfort might be mutual.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace schemes to obligate Clarissa through gifts and prevent Hannah's attendance, revealing his desire to control and humble her.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace feigns ignorance about Hannah's illness and pretends to encourage her attendance while secretly glad she is unavailable.
Suffering and Redemption
Lovelace acknowledges his reformation is intermittent and fears Clarissa's virtue will make him feel inferior, hinting at his internal struggle.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes to Belford, detailing his schemes to obligate Clarissa through gifts and to prevent Hannah from attending her, while musing on his own flawed reformation.
- John Belford
Recipient of Lovelace's letter; Lovelace addresses him directly and shares his manipulative thoughts.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Referred to as 'my charmer' and 'the lady'; Lovelace admires her pride and virtue but seeks to humble her through obligation.
- Hannah Burton
Clarissa's former maid; Lovelace notes she is ill with a rheumatic disorder, preventing her from attending Clarissa, which he secretly welcomes.
- Mrs. Sorlings
Mentioned as the mother of the young Sorlings; Lovelace considers proposing one of her daughters as a temporary attendant for Clarissa.
- Will
Lovelace suggests that a young Sorling might be made to fall in love with Will as a scheme to manage her attendance.
Key passages
“But is it not a confounded thing that I cannot fasten an obligation upon this proud beauty?”
Lovelace laments that he cannot make Clarissa feel indebted to him.
Expresses his frustration at her resistance to his gifts.
“Nothing more effectually brings down a proud spirit, than a sense of lying under pecuniary obligations.”
He believes financial dependence is the best way to humble a proud person.
Reveals his manipulative motive for offering money and clothes.
“I pressed her to send for Hannah. She knew I had always a regard for this servant, because of her honest love to her lady: but now I have greater regard for her than ever.”
Lovelace pretended to encourage Clarissa to send for Hannah, though he was secretly pleased that Hannah was ill.
Highlights his deceitful nature.
“I protest I know not how to look up at her! Now, as I am thinking, if I could pull her down a little nearer to my own level; that is to say, could prevail upon her to do something that would argue imperfection, something to repent of; we should jog on much more equally.”
Lovelace feels inferior to Clarissa's virtue and wishes to corrupt her so they might be more equal.
Reveals his desire to bring her down to his moral level.
