Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 167: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford, recounting Clarissa's disapproval of his companions and the house, particularly her refusal to share a bed with Miss Partington.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford, recounting Clarissa's disapproval of his companions and the house, particularly her refusal to share a bed with Miss Partington. He interprets her caution as dishonourable fears of him and vows revenge, while also mocking Belford's desire for her good opinion.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace pretends ignorance about the bed-sharing request and interprets Clarissa's refusal as a sign of her dishonourable fears, highlighting the gap between appearance and true motives.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace manipulates the situation by offering to resent Mrs. Sinclair's freedom while secretly plotting revenge against Clarissa for her perceived slights.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Narrates the letter, expressing frustration at Clarissa's rejection of his friends and plotting revenge for her perceived slights.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Criticizes Lovelace's companions and the house, refuses to share a bed with Miss Partington, and is described as having 'dishonourable fears' of Lovelace.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; Lovelace informs him that Clarissa dislikes him and his companions, and that his thousand pounds is safe.
- Miss Partington
A young lady with a large fortune who is denied a bed by Clarissa and is described as 'silly' and 'free good-natured' by Lovelace.
- Mrs. Sinclair
Made a request for Miss Partington to share a bed with Clarissa, which Clarissa refused; Lovelace offers to resent her freedom.
- Dorcas Wykes
Mentioned as the maidservant with whom Miss Partington was forced to crowd into a press-bed.
Key passages
“I offered to resent Mrs. Sinclair’s freedom. No; there was no great matter in it. It was best to let it pass.”
Lovelace pretended to be angry at Mrs. Sinclair's request, but Clarissa dismissed it as unimportant.
Shows Lovelace's manipulative offer to defend Clarissa, which she rejects.
“Thinkest thou that I could not guess at her dishonourable fears of me?—that she apprehended, that the supposed husband would endeavour to take possession of his own ?”
Lovelace believes Clarissa fears he will try to assert his marital rights, which he sees as a challenge.
Reveals Lovelace's interpretation of Clarissa's caution as a provocation.
“Thy thousand pounds, Jack, is all thy own: for most heartily does she dislike ye all—thee as much as any of the rest.”
Lovelace tells Belford that Clarissa dislikes him and his friends, so Belford's bet is safe.
Highlights Clarissa's disdain for Lovelace's circle and the ongoing wager.