# Letter 201: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace recounts a heated confrontation with Clarissa, who rebukes him for his ill humor and lack of merit. He attempts to justify his behavior, but she remains resolute, declaring her soul above him. After she retreats in distress, Lovelace reflects on her 'weakness of heart' versus her strength of will, and plots new strategies, including a fabricated story about Mrs. Fretchville's smallpox to delay their move.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa asserts her moral superiority and refuses to be cowed by Lovelace's manipulation, declaring her soul above him.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace plots to control Clarissa through deception, including a fabricated story about Mrs. Fretchville and plans to counterplot Miss Howe.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace's narrative reveals his strategic lies (e.g., the smallpox story) and his intent to present a false front to Clarissa.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Narrates the letter; describes his quarrel with Clarissa and his manipulative plans.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Confronts Lovelace with indignation, accuses him of ungenerous behavior, and expresses her distress.

### John Belford

Recipient of the letter; Lovelace addresses him directly.

### Anna Howe

Mentioned as Clarissa's friend; Lovelace resents her influence and plans to counterplot her.

### Polly Horton

Visits Clarissa and reports her emotional state to Lovelace.

### Mrs. Fretchville

Mentioned in Lovelace's fabricated story about smallpox to delay the house transfer.

## Key lines

> My soul is above thee, man! with both her hands pushing me from her!—Urge me not to tell thee, how sincerely I think my soul above thee!—Thou hast, in mine, a proud, a too proud heart to contend with!—Leave me, and leave me forever!—Thou has a proud heart to contend with!

Clarissa declares her moral superiority over Lovelace and demands he leave her forever, emphasizing her unyielding pride.

_Highlights Clarissa's defiance and Lovelace's admiration despite her harsh words._

> I must have recourse to my masterstrokes. This cursed project of Miss Howe and her Mrs. Townsend (if I cannot contrive to render it abortive) will be always a sword hanging over my head.

Lovelace resolves to use his most cunning schemes to thwart Miss Howe's plan to rescue Clarissa.

_Reveals Lovelace's ongoing manipulation and fear of losing control._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-201-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters