# Letter 207: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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