Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 127: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford, recounting his return to find Clarissa in a solemn mood after receiving letters from Anna Howe.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford, recounting his return to find Clarissa in a solemn mood after receiving letters from Anna Howe. He describes his frustration at being kept at a distance, his schemes to intercept their correspondence, and his manipulative tactics to get Clarissa to propose London herself. He exults in his power over the families and boasts of his ability to outwit Clarissa and Anna. After a violent outburst where he seizes her hand and frightens her, he is forced to withdraw and now anxiously seeks readmission to her presence.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace boasts of manipulating Clarissa, Anna Howe, and both families, using deception and psychological control to achieve his ends.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace revels in his double-dealing, pretending reform while plotting Clarissa's ruin, and using false proposals to steer her decisions.
Libertinism and Morality
Lovelace's rakish philosophy is on full display as he justifies his wickedness as mere 'vapour' and boasts of his immoral schemes.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Narrates the letter; boasts of his schemes, expresses frustration at Clarissa's reserve, and describes his violent passion and manipulative tactics.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Described as solemn and weeping after receiving letters from Anna Howe; she resists Lovelace's advances and insists on maintaining decorum.
- Anna Howe
Her letters are blamed by Lovelace for putting Clarissa out of humour; he plots to intercept their correspondence.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; Lovelace confides his schemes and frustrations to him.
- Mrs. Greme
Reported to have conveyed letters from Lady Betty Lawrance and Miss Montague; Lovelace made declarations of honor to her.
- Lady Betty Lawrance
Her letters are mentioned as having arrived via Mrs. Greme.
- Miss Charlotte Montague
Her letters are mentioned as having arrived via Mrs. Greme.
- Mrs. Norton
Lovelace advises Clarissa to send for her, but admits he would not allow her presence as it would hinder his plans.
Key passages
“I was surprised to find so solemn a brow upon my return, and her charming eyes red with weeping.”
Lovelace is taken aback to see Clarissa looking serious and tearful when he returns.
Highlights Clarissa's distress and Lovelace's initial confusion.
“Would it be very wicked, Jack, to knock her messenger on the head, as he is carrying my beloved's letters, or returning from Miss Howe's?”
Lovelace jokingly suggests murdering the messenger to intercept Clarissa's correspondence.
Illustrates Lovelace's violent and amoral fantasies.
“If you would have a woman do one thing, you must always propose another, and that the very contrary: the sex! the very sex!”
Lovelace asserts that to get a woman to agree to something, you must suggest the opposite.
Reveals his manipulative strategy and cynical view of women.
“I snatched her hand; and, more than kissed it, I was ready to devour it.”
Lovelace grabbed Clarissa's hand and kissed it with excessive, almost violent passion.
Demonstrates his uncontrolled desire and the terror it inspires in Clarissa.
