Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 208: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford detailing a new scheme to abduct and assault Mrs.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford detailing a new scheme to abduct and assault Mrs. Howe, Miss Howe, and Mr. Hickman by luring them onto a ship under false pretenses, with plans to dispose of Hickman and ravish the women. He fantasizes about the trial and public spectacle that might follow, reveling in the notoriety.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace orchestrates an elaborate plot to control and punish the Howe family, demonstrating his delight in manipulation and domination.
Libertinism and Morality
Lovelace's casual planning of multiple rapes and murder, and his fantasy of a public trial, epitomize libertine amorality.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The scheme relies on disguises, false pretenses (a pleasure cruise), and the gap between Lovelace's charming exterior and his violent intentions.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Author of the letter; devises a plot to kidnap and rape Mrs. Howe, Miss Howe, and Mr. Hickman.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; Lovelace addresses him directly and anticipates his objections.
- Anna Howe
Target of Lovelace's scheme; he plans to ravish her aboard the ship.
- Mrs. Howe
Target of Lovelace's scheme; he plans to ravish her aboard the ship.
- Mr. Hickman
Target of Lovelace's scheme; he plans to push him overboard or set him ashore.
- Joseph Leman
Mentioned as Lovelace's agent who influenced Antony Harlowe.
Key passages
“And now, that my beloved seems secure in my net, for my project upon the vixen Miss Howe, and upon her mother: in which the officious prancer Hickman is to come in for a dash.”
Now that Clarissa is trapped, I'm planning a scheme against the fiery Miss Howe and her mother, and the meddlesome Hickman will also be involved.
Lovelace reveals his intention to extend his predatory schemes to Anna Howe and her family.
“I know it will be hard weather: I know it will: and, before there can be the least suspicion of the matter, we shall be in sight of Guernsey, Jersey, Dieppe, Cherbourg, or anywhere on the French coast that it shall please us to agree with the winds to blow us.”
I'm certain we can create or find a storm, and before anyone suspects, we'll have sailed to France.
Lovelace plans to fake a storm to kidnap the Howes and Hickman.
“What!—I'll tell thee—Hickman, in good manners, will leave the women in their cabin—and, to show his courage with his breeding, be upon deck— Well, and suppose he is!—Why then I hope it is easy for Ganmore, or anybody else, myself suppose in my pea-jacket and great watch coat, (if any other make scruple to do it), while he stands in the way, gaping and staring like a novice, to stumble against him, and push him overboard!”
Hickman will be on deck to appear brave, and I or someone else can easily push him overboard.
Lovelace casually contemplates murdering Hickman by pushing him into the sea.