Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 138: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace recounts to Belford a moment of vulnerability where he nearly proposed marriage to Clarissa, overcome by her beauty and confusion.
What happens
Lovelace recounts to Belford a moment of vulnerability where he nearly proposed marriage to Clarissa, overcome by her beauty and confusion. He describes his impulsive offer, her tearful refusal, and his realization that her hesitation stems from fear of her family and hope for her cousin Morden's intervention. Lovelace resolves to continue his schemes, viewing her resistance as a challenge to his pride.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace's schemes and his pride in controlling events, despite his momentary lapse into sincerity.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace's feigned passion versus his true intentions, and Clarissa's misinterpretation of his motives.
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa's resistance to Lovelace's proposal, asserting her own judgment despite family pressure.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Narrates his near-proposal to Clarissa, revealing his internal conflict between genuine affection and manipulative intent.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Shows confusion and distress during Lovelace's offer, attributing her tears to family troubles rather than love.
- John Belford
Recipient of Lovelace's letter, serving as confidant for his schemes and reflections.
- Joseph Leman
Mentioned as the source of a letter that Lovelace encloses, part of his ongoing manipulation.
Key passages
“Never was man in greater danger of being caught in his own snares: all my views anticipated; all my schemes untried; the admirable creature not brought to town; nor one effort made to know if she be really angel or woman.”
Lovelace admits he nearly fell into his own trap by proposing prematurely, before executing any of his planned tests of Clarissa's character.
Highlights Lovelace's self-awareness of his precarious position and his obsession with testing Clarissa.
“I no more intended all this ecstatic nonsense, than I thought the same moment of flying in the air! All power is with this charming creature. It is I, not she, at this rate, that must fail in the arduous trial.”
Lovelace claims his proposal was involuntary, and he fears Clarissa's influence may cause him to abandon his schemes.
Reveals Lovelace's internal struggle between genuine emotion and his libertine pride.