# Letter 226: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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