# Letter 191: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace defends his scheme to test Clarissa's virtue, dismissing Belford's moralizing and asserting his intention to overcome her resistance. He discusses his plan to use his family's influence to secure Clarissa's trust, mocks Belford's concern for his dying uncle, and offers to assist their friend Belton.

## Themes in this chapter

### Libertinism and Morality

Lovelace explicitly defends his libertine philosophy, arguing that resistance inflames desire and that virtue must be tested.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace plans to use his family's names and a fabricated letter to deceive Clarissa, revealing the gap between appearance and intent.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace revels in his power over Clarissa and others, threatening Belford with silence and plotting to manipulate his family.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Writes to Belford, defending his designs on Clarissa and mocking Belford's scruples.

### John Belford

Recipient of the letter; Lovelace criticizes his 'wambling nonsense' and concern for his dying uncle.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Referred to as 'this matchless creature' and 'my goddess'; the object of Lovelace's trial of virtue.

### James Harlowe Jr.

Called a 'vile instrument' by Lovelace, who vows to see him and his sister undone.

### Arabella Harlowe

Mentioned alongside her brother as an object of Lovelace's future revenge.

### Lord M.

Lovelace plans to use his letter to further his designs; recalls childhood aversion to his proverbs.

## Key lines

> It is resistance that inflames desire, Sharpens the darts of love, and blows its fire. Love is disarm'd that meets with too much ease; He languishes, and does not care to please.

Lovelace argues that difficulty and resistance heighten romantic passion, while easy conquest leads to indifference.

_Lovelace uses verse to justify his pursuit of Clarissa as a test of virtue._

> What signifies power, if we do not exert it?

Lovelace asserts that power is meaningless unless it is actively used to control or punish others.

_Reflects Lovelace's manipulative nature and his enjoyment of exercising control._

> I do intend to endeavour to overcome myself; but I must first try, if I cannot overcome this lady.

Lovelace claims he will eventually reform, but only after attempting to conquer Clarissa's virtue.

_Highlights Lovelace's self-deception and prioritization of his libertine goals over genuine change._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-191-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters