Letter 215: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

  Lovelace attempts to deceive Clarissa into pretending they are married, while Clarissa insists on truth and refuses to maintain a false appearance.

• Power and Manipulation

  Lovelace manipulates the situation with Captain Tomlinson and seeks to gain power over Clarissa through deception and control.

• Female Agency and Virtue

  Clarissa exercises her agency by refusing to lie, prioritizing her virtue and veracity over family reconciliation.

Characters to notice

• Robert Lovelace

  Lovelace writes to Belford, detailing his failed attempt to persuade Clarissa to pretend they are married and his renewed determination to pursue his schemes.

• Clarissa Harlowe

  Clarissa firmly refuses to lie about being married, insisting on truth and honesty even at the cost of reconciliation with her family.

• John Belford

  Belford is the recipient of Lovelace's letter, cautioned not to judge his devices by parts.

• Anna Howe

  Lovelace mentions Miss Howe's smuggling scheme and blames her for his lack of progress with Clarissa.

• Captain Tomlinson

  Tomlinson is the mediator sent by Clarissa's uncle; Lovelace hopes to turn his errand to his advantage.

Key passages

• “But once more I swear, that I will not be out-Norris’d by a pair of novices.”

  Lovelace vows he will not be outwitted by Clarissa and Anna Howe, whom he considers inexperienced.

  Lovelace expresses his determination to outmaneuver the two women.

• “I will not only risk, but I will forfeit, the reconciliation so near my heart, rather than I will go on to countenance a story so untrue!”

  Clarissa declares she would rather lose the chance of family reconciliation than support a lie.

  Clarissa's firm stance on truth over convenience.