Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 239: Mr. Lovelace explained
Lovelace recounts his failed attempt to lodge in the same house as Clarissa, being forced to accept nearby lodgings.
What happens
Lovelace recounts his failed attempt to lodge in the same house as Clarissa, being forced to accept nearby lodgings. He intercepts a letter from Anna Howe to Clarissa, which he reads and then re-seals, noting its contents that discuss his character, the marriage settlements, and suspicions about his intentions. He boasts of his contrivances to manage the situation and plans to intercept future letters, relying on his allies Will and Mrs. Bevis.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace intercepts and manipulates letters, presenting a false front to Clarissa and others while plotting behind the scenes.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace exerts control over Clarissa's environment through allies like Will and Mrs. Bevis, and by intercepting her correspondence.
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her agency by refusing Lovelace's lodging and maintaining her virtue against his schemes.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Narrator; plots to intercept letters and maintain control over Clarissa.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Refuses to allow Lovelace to lodge in the same house; receives and reads Anna Howe's letter.
- Anna Howe
Writes a letter to Clarissa discussing Lovelace's character and marriage prospects.
- John Belford
Addressee of Lovelace's letter; Lovelace boasts to him of his schemes.
- Mrs. Moore
Landlady who recommends a lodging for Lovelace; unwilling to displease either party.
- Miss Rawlins
Opposes allowing Lovelace to stay in the house; Lovelace considers making her 'smart for it.'
- Mrs. Bevis
Widow who supports Lovelace; he flatters her and hopes she will arrange a midnight visit to Clarissa.
- Will
Lovelace's servant; arranged to sleep in the house to monitor Clarissa.
Key passages
“I went up to my new-taken apartment, and fell to writing in character, as usual.”
Lovelace went to his new room and began writing in cipher, as he often did.
Shows Lovelace's secretive methods.
“the cruel creature, understanding that I intended to take up my lodgings there, declared with so much violence against it, that I was obliged to submit”
Clarissa strongly objected to Lovelace staying in the same house, forcing him to give in.
Highlights Clarissa's resistance to Lovelace's control.
“I have found a warm kiss now-and-then very kindly taken. I might be a very wicked fellow, Jack, if I were to do all the mischief in my power.”
Lovelace admits he could easily seduce Mrs. Bevis but chooses not to, preferring the challenge of Clarissa.
Reveals Lovelace's predatory nature and his focus on the 'difficulty' of conquering Clarissa.
“Where can a woman be safe, who has once entered the lists with a contriving and intrepid lover?”
Lovelace implies that no woman can escape a determined and cunning suitor once she engages with him.
Reflects Lovelace's view of romantic pursuit as a battle.
