# Letter 238: Mr. Lovelace explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-238-mr-lovelace
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters