Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 228: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace, in a frenzy of rage and despair, writes to Belford that Clarissa has escaped from the brothel.
What happens
Lovelace, in a frenzy of rage and despair, writes to Belford that Clarissa has escaped from the brothel. He curses her 'art' and 'hypocrisy,' recounts his frantic search, and learns from Mrs. Sinclair how Clarissa feigned compliance and sent a letter via Will, which was intercepted.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace accuses Clarissa of 'art' and 'hypocrisy,' while he himself is a master of deception; the entire escape is built on feigned compliance and intercepted letters.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace's rage stems from losing control over Clarissa; he vows to use 'art, and more art, and compulsion' if he recaptures her, highlighting his manipulative nature.
Suffering and Redemption
Lovelace's torment and distraction over Clarissa's escape reflect his personal suffering, though redemption remains distant as he plots revenge.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
In a state of fury and distraction after Clarissa's escape; he curses her, himself, and the household, and threatens violence.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Has escaped from the brothel; Lovelace accuses her of artful deception and hypocrisy, yet still calls her an 'angel' and 'all that is excellent.'
- John Belford
The recipient of Lovelace's letter; Lovelace anticipates Belford's gloating over his misfortune.
- Mrs. Sinclair
The brothel keeper; Lovelace curses her and recounts her blubbering account of Clarissa's escape.
- Dorcas Wykes
Lovelace's servant; she is locked up after the escape, having been involved in attending Clarissa.
- Will
Lovelace's servant; he intercepted Clarissa's letter to Miss Howe and brought it to Lovelace.
Key passages
“Ruined! Undone! Outwitted! Tricked!—Zounds, man, the lady has gone off!—Absolutely gone off! Escaped!”
Lovelace exclaims that he is completely ruined and outwitted because Clarissa has escaped.
Captures Lovelace's immediate shock and despair upon discovering Clarissa's flight.
“She could not, she would not have been so much a Harlowe in her resentment, had I deserved, as I ought to have done, her resentment.”
Lovelace thinks Clarissa's anger would have been less severe if he had actually given her real cause for resentment.
Reflects Lovelace's twisted logic and self-justification for his actions.
“But if ever again I get her into my hands, art, and more art, and compulsion too, if she make it necessary, (and 'tis plain that nothing else will do), shall she experience from the man whose fear of her has been above even his passion for her”
Lovelace vows that if he recaptures Clarissa, he will use deception and force, since gentleness has failed.
Highlights Lovelace's shift from admiration to a determination to dominate Clarissa.