# Letter 219: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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