# Letter 228: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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