Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 193: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace responds to Belford's letter, expressing pleasure at Belford's apparent approval of his pursuit of Clarissa.
What happens
Lovelace responds to Belford's letter, expressing pleasure at Belford's apparent approval of his pursuit of Clarissa. He reflects on the risks of keeping lowbred women, contrasting them with Clarissa's high station, and reaffirms his seduction schemes, interpreting Belford's earlier matrimonial pleas as jest.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace revels in his seduction schemes and the thrill of subduing a woman of family, viewing the pursuit as a conquest.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace misinterprets Belford's genuine advice as approval, revealing his self-deception and manipulative mindset.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Author of the letter; expresses gratitude for Belford's supposed approval and outlines his continued schemes.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; Lovelace interprets Belford's earlier advice as supportive of his pursuit.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Referenced as the object of Lovelace's pursuit; praised for her family and virtue.
- Thomas Belton
Mentioned as an example of a keeper suffering from a lowbred mistress.
Key passages
“Such a one as I , Jack, needed only, till now, to shake the stateliest tree, and the mellowed fruit dropped into my mouth”
A man like me only had to approach the most virtuous woman, and she would yield to me.
Lovelace boasts of his seductive prowess.
“thought it a glory to subdue a girl of family”
He considered it an achievement to conquer a woman from a good family.
Highlights Lovelace's pride in targeting women of high social standing.