Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 223: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace defends his stratagems to Belford, arguing that his contrivances are simple and natural, and that Clarissa's virtue and resistance only stimulate him.
What happens
Lovelace defends his stratagems to Belford, arguing that his contrivances are simple and natural, and that Clarissa's virtue and resistance only stimulate him. He outlines a hypothetical future where he seduces her without marriage, and insists that his methods are justified by the end. He threatens to stop writing so freely, as his letters serve as indictments against himself.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace defends his use of stratagem and contrivance to control Clarissa's situation, viewing her resistance as a challenge to overcome.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace argues that his simple, natural devices are effective because they exploit appearances, and he contrasts the hypothetical public story with the private truth.
Libertinism and Morality
Lovelace rationalizes his libertine philosophy, claiming that his wickedness is limited compared to others and that he would have been more moral if virtue were rewarded by women.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Defends his contrivances and stratagems, outlines a hypothetical future of seduction, and threatens to cease candid correspondence.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; Lovelace responds to Belford's criticisms of his schemes.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Referenced as the object of Lovelace's designs; her virtue and resistance are described as stimulants.
- Anna Howe
Mentioned as influencing Clarissa's caution against Lovelace's designs.
- Joseph Leman
Referenced in relation to the character Lovelace gave himself to him.
Key passages
“Her virtue, her resistance, which are her merits , are my stimulatives .”
Her virtue and resistance are what excite me.
Lovelace explicitly states that Clarissa's moral strength fuels his pursuit.
“I have not tried her at all—all I have been doing is but preparation to a trial .”
I haven't truly tested her yet; everything so far has been leading up to that test.
Lovelace clarifies that his schemes are preliminary to a planned seduction attempt.
“Did ever any man, thinkest thou, deceive a woman, but at the expense of his veracity; how, otherwise, can he be said to deceive ?”
No man can deceive a woman without lying; that's what deception means.
Lovelace dismisses Belford's concern about his veracity as naive.