Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 226: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford the morning after the fire scene, reflecting on Clarissa's extreme distress and refusal to see him.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford the morning after the fire scene, reflecting on Clarissa's extreme distress and refusal to see him. He attempts to justify his actions as a 'romping bout' and expresses impatience at her continued anger. Clarissa remains locked in her room, rebuffing his pleas for forgiveness and communication. She eventually sends a billet refusing to see him for at least a week, citing his baseness and ingratitude. Lovelace, though momentarily moved by her anguish, resolves to persist in his schemes, relying on the Tomlinson plot to complete his triumph.
Themes in this chapter
Libertinism and Morality
Lovelace rationalizes his actions as a harmless frolic, contrasting his libertine perspective with Clarissa's moral outrage.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace relies on the Tomlinson plot and feigned penitence to manipulate Clarissa, while she sees through his treachery.
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's anguish over her father's curse and her sense of being 'undeservedly injured' highlight her suffering, with no redemption in sight.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes to Belford, justifying his actions and expressing impatience with Clarissa's anger; he is moved but resolute in his schemes.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Remains locked in her chamber, deeply distressed, refusing to see Lovelace and sending a billet declaring she cannot see him for a week.
- John Belford
Recipient of Lovelace's letter; not directly present but addressed throughout.
- Dorcas Wykes
Servant who taps at Clarissa's door and later receives her billet for Lovelace.
- Sally Martin
Mentioned as rejoicing in the thought of Clarissa's 'hour approaching' the previous night.
- Polly Horton
Mentioned alongside Sally as having loved Lovelace and now promoting competitorship.
Key passages
“All I have done to her, would have been looked upon as a frolic only, a romping bout, and laughed off by nine parts in ten of the sex accordingly.”
Lovelace claims that most women would dismiss his actions as a playful romp, minimizing Clarissa's distress.
Reveals Lovelace's libertine dismissal of Clarissa's trauma.
“O the dreadful weight of a father's curse, thus in the very letter of it—”
Clarissa laments that her father's curse is being fulfilled exactly as spoken.
Shows Clarissa's belief that her suffering is a divine punishment.
“I cannot see you! Would to Heaven I never had! If I write, that's all I can do.”
Clarissa refuses to see Lovelace and will only communicate through writing.
Highlights Clarissa's determination to maintain distance after the assault.