Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 219: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford about his ongoing manipulation of Clarissa, describing his attempts to break down her reserve and his frustration with her insistence on 'marriage-purity.' He recounts a dispute where Clarissa rebukes his libertie
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford about his ongoing manipulation of Clarissa, describing his attempts to break down her reserve and his frustration with her insistence on 'marriage-purity.' He recounts a dispute where Clarissa rebukes his liberties, asserting that marriage is a state of purity, not licentiousness. Lovelace reflects on his rakish philosophy, including his belief that women have no souls, and reveals he has been trying to obtain a marriage license but faces difficulties due to lack of family consent. Clarissa has approved the settlements and written to Anna Howe about their situation.
Themes in this chapter
Libertinism and Morality
Lovelace's rakish philosophy is contrasted with Clarissa's insistence on marriage as a state of purity, highlighting the conflict between libertine desires and moral virtue.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace maintains a facade of politeness while secretly plotting to undermine Clarissa's virtue, and he reflects on the hypocrisy of public modesty versus private behavior.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace manipulates Clarissa's situation, using the promise of family reconciliation to control her, and attempts to break down her resistance through psychological pressure.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Narrator and author of the letter; reveals his manipulative tactics, frustration with Clarissa's virtue, and his libertine philosophy.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Lovelace's intended; rebukes his liberties, insists on marriage as a state of purity, and has approved the marriage settlements.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; Lovelace confides in him about his schemes and reflections.
- Anna Howe
Clarissa has written to her to inform her of the current situation with Lovelace.
- Mr. Hickman
Mentioned by Lovelace as a contrast to his own active, rakish behavior.
- Captain Tomlinson
Lovelace has sent him a copy of the marriage settlements.
Key passages
“I have brought her to own, that I am more than indifferent with her: but as to love, which I pressed her to acknowledge, what need of acknowledgments of that sort, when a woman consents to marrying?”
Lovelace has gotten Clarissa to admit she has some feelings for him, but he argues that a woman's consent to marry is itself proof of love, so verbal acknowledgment is unnecessary.
Lovelace's manipulative reasoning to minimize Clarissa's emotional resistance.
“Marriage-purity, Jack!—Very comical, 'faith—yet, sweet dears, half the female world ready to run away with a rake, because he is a rake; and for no other reason; nay, every other reason against their choice of such a one.”
Lovelace mocks Clarissa's concept of 'marriage-purity,' noting ironically that many women are attracted to rakes despite all reasons against it.
Lovelace's cynical view of female desire and his dismissal of Clarissa's moral stance.
“We have held, that women have no souls. I am a very Turk in this point, and willing to believe they have not. And if so, to whom shall I be accountable for what I do to them?”
Lovelace asserts a belief that women lack souls, which he uses to justify his actions toward them without moral accountability.
Reveals Lovelace's extreme libertine rationalization for his predatory behavior.
