Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 207: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford, boasting of his progress with Clarissa as she becomes more compliant.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford, boasting of his progress with Clarissa as she becomes more compliant. He describes presenting her with marriage proposals, including settlements and a private ceremony at his Lord's chapel, though she declines public display and jewels. He sends a letter to Lord M. declining his offer to officiate and returning a bill, while inwardly fearing he may be trapped into marriage. Clarissa, in a postscript to Miss Howe, expresses hope for new friends in Lovelace's family and prays for reconciliation with her own, though she acknowledges their essential differences.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace feigns earnestness in marriage proposals while plotting manipulation, and Clarissa hopes for reconciliation despite their fundamental differences.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace orchestrates events to control Clarissa, using settlements and letters as tools, while fearing he may be ensnared himself.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes to Belford, detailing his manipulation of Clarissa and his fears of being caught in marriage.
- John Belford
Recipient of Lovelace's letter, warned not to write in Clarissa's favor.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Shows compliance with Lovelace's proposals but remains reserved; expresses hope for reconciliation with her family.
- Anna Howe
Addressed in Clarissa's postscript; urged to keep Lovelace's discreditable actions secret.
- Lord M.
Lovelace writes to him declining his offer to officiate at the wedding and returning a bill.
Key passages
“Thou seest, Belford, how we now drive before the wind.—The dear creature now comes almost at the first word, whenever I desire the honour of her company.”
You see, Belford, how smoothly things are going now—Clarissa obeys me almost immediately whenever I ask for her company.
Lovelace boasts of his control over Clarissa's compliance.
“I do assure thee, Belford, I was in earnest in all this. My whole estate is nothing to me, put in competition with her hoped-for favour.”
I swear to you, Belford, I was sincere in all this. My entire wealth means nothing compared to winning her favor.
Lovelace claims genuine intent, though his earlier schemes suggest otherwise.
“And is not this going a plaguey length? What a figure should I make in rakish annals, if at last I should be caught in my own gin?”
Isn't this going too far? How ridiculous I'd look in the history of rakes if I ended up trapped in my own trap.
Lovelace fears being forced into marriage by his own machinations.