# Letter 211: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace feigns illness by taking ipecacuanha to manipulate Clarissa's sympathy and confirm her love for him. He orchestrates a scene where Dorcas reveals his 'dangerous' condition, prompting Clarissa to visit and show concern. Lovelace revels in her pity, believing he has secured her forgiveness and a fresh start, while mocking the household's complicity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace orchestrates a false illness to manipulate Clarissa's emotions, highlighting the theme of deception and the gap between appearance and reality.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace's calculated use of feigned sickness to gain Clarissa's sympathy and control her perceptions exemplifies his manipulative power.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Feigns illness using ipecacuanha to manipulate Clarissa's sympathy; gloats over her concern and believes he has secured her love and forgiveness.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Shows genuine concern for Lovelace's feigned illness; her pity and tears convince Lovelace she loves him and forgives his past transgressions.

### Dorcas Wykes

Follows Lovelace's instructions to feign distress and secretly inform Clarissa of his 'illness,' playing a key role in the deception.

### Mrs. Sinclair

Present during the scene; joins the household in feigned concern and praise for the 'happy couple.'

### Polly Horton

Mentioned as part of the household chorus that expresses relief and admiration for Lovelace and Clarissa.

## Key lines

> In short, Belford, I have gained my end. I see the dear soul loves me. I see she forgives me all that’s past. I see I have credit for a new score.

Lovelace believes his trick has succeeded: Clarissa's concern proves her love and forgiveness, giving him a fresh chance to win her over.

_Lovelace's triumphant conclusion after Clarissa shows pity for his feigned illness._

> I was well already, on taking the styptic from her dear hands.

Lovelace claims that Clarissa's touch alone cured him, emphasizing his emotional manipulation.

_Lovelace's hyperbolic expression of being healed by Clarissa's presence._

> What a new, what a gay creation it makes all at once in a diffident or dispirited heart!

Praise from a loved one can transform a doubtful or sad heart into a joyful one.

_Lovelace reflects on the power of Clarissa's praise to uplift him._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-211-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters