# Letter 214: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace recounts a visit from Captain Tomlinson, who claims to be sent by Mr. John Harlowe to negotiate a reconciliation if Clarissa and Lovelace are married. Lovelace manipulates the situation, hoping to trick Clarissa into acknowledging the marriage before the Captain, but she remains cautious and withdrawn. The letter reveals Lovelace's scheming and Clarissa's growing distrust.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace orchestrates a false narrative about Captain Tomlinson's visit to manipulate Clarissa, highlighting the theme of deception.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace attempts to control the situation and Clarissa's responses, demonstrating his manipulative power.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Narrates the letter; manipulates the visit from Captain Tomlinson to further his schemes.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Present during the Captain's visit; she is fearful and suspicious, preferring to observe rather than participate.

### Captain Tomlinson

Visits Lovelace as an intermediary for Mr. John Harlowe, seeking confirmation of the marriage for reconciliation.

### John Belford

The recipient of the letter; Lovelace addresses him directly throughout.

### Dorcas Wykes

Servant who announces Captain Tomlinson's arrival, causing alarm.

### Mr. John Harlowe

Mentioned as the uncle who sent Captain Tomlinson to negotiate reconciliation.

## Key lines

> Her duty and her gratitude, she gravely said, to the Dispenser of all good, would secure her, she hoped, against unthankfulness. And a thankful spirit was the same as a joyful one.

Clarissa says her faith and gratitude to God will keep her from being ungrateful, and that thankfulness is equivalent to joy.

_Clarissa expresses her reliance on divine providence for happiness._

> This lower class of people, my beloved herself observed, were forever aiming at the stupid wonderful, and for making even common incidents matter of surprise.

Clarissa remarks that servants always exaggerate ordinary events to make them seem dramatic.

_Lovelace reports Clarissa's observation about servant behavior._

> I insisted (according to my former hint) that it might much more probably be a method taken by Colonel Morden to alarm her, previous to a personal visit.

Lovelace suggests that the story about Captain Tomlinson is likely a trick by Colonel Morden to frighten Clarissa before he visits.

_Lovelace tries to downplay the threat of Singleton by blaming Colonel Morden._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-214-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters