Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 238: Mr. Lovelace explained
Lovelace recounts his scheme to intercept Clarissa's correspondence and manipulate her through the fabricated Captain Tomlinson.
What happens
Lovelace recounts his scheme to intercept Clarissa's correspondence and manipulate her through the fabricated Captain Tomlinson. He intercepts a letter from Anna Howe, learning of her plan to send another important letter via Wilson's. Lovelace resolves to continue his deception, aiming to secure Clarissa on his own terms.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace intercepts letters and fabricates Captain Tomlinson to maintain his false persona, while Clarissa uses illness as a pretext to avoid confrontation.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace exerts control over Clarissa's communications and environment, using servants and forged allies to manipulate her decisions.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Narrates the letter; orchestrates interception of Clarissa's mail and plots further manipulation.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Feigns illness to avoid meeting Captain Tomlinson; retrieves a letter from Anna Howe via Grimes.
- Anna Howe
Writes a letter to Clarissa warning about Lovelace and mentioning a previous important letter.
- Captain Tomlinson
Fabricated ally of Lovelace; visits to help reconcile Clarissa but is denied audience.
- Will
Lovelace's servant; intercepts the letter from Grimes and reports with glee.
Key passages
“She, like the rest of her sex, can be ill or well when she pleases.”
Lovelace cynically suggests that women can feign illness at will to suit their purposes.
Reflects Lovelace's misogynistic view and his suspicion that Clarissa's headache is a pretense.
“I see her drift, thought I; it is to have all her lights from Miss Howe before she resolves, and to take her measures accordingly.”
Lovelace believes Clarissa is waiting for Anna Howe's advice before making any decisions.
Highlights Lovelace's awareness of Clarissa's reliance on Anna and his determination to intercept their correspondence.