# Letter 159: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace writes to Belford about his Sunday with Clarissa, including attending church together and his schemes to manipulate her. He describes his good behavior at church, his reflections on the sermon about David and Bathsheba, and his plans to have Clarissa attend a collation with his friends. He boasts of his control over the household and his confidence in soon achieving his aims.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace feigns piety and good behavior at church to manipulate Clarissa, while secretly plotting her ruin.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace boasts of his control over Clarissa, the household, and his schemes to achieve his goals.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Narrator; describes his church attendance, manipulation of Clarissa, and schemes with Belford and others.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Lovelace's 'charmer'; attends church with him, shows reluctance about new acquaintances, and is being manipulated.

### John Belford

Recipient of the letter; Lovelace addresses him directly and shares his plans.

### Miss Partington

Young lady introduced to Clarissa without her consent; part of Lovelace's scheme.

### Sally Martin

One of Mrs. Sinclair's nieces; praised by Clarissa for her views on marriage.

### Polly Horton

Another of Mrs. Sinclair's nieces; mentioned as part of the household.

## Key lines

> The more perverse she, the more steady I—that is my rule.

Lovelace states that Clarissa's resistance only strengthens his determination.

_Reflects his manipulative and persistent nature._

> I have got her to own that she prayed for me. I hope a prayer from so excellent a mind will not be made in vain.

Lovelace is pleased that Clarissa prayed for him, but his intentions remain duplicitous.

_Highlights the irony of his false piety._

> Thou art the man! By my soul I thought the parson looked directly at me; and at that moment I cast my eye full on my ewe-lamb.

Lovelace feels the sermon about David and Bathsheba is directed at him, and he looks at Clarissa as his 'ewe-lamb.'

_Shows his self-awareness of his guilt yet lack of remorse._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-159-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters