# Letter 240: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace intercepts a letter from Clarissa to Anna Howe and forges a reply to prevent Miss Howe from learning of Clarissa's distress. He boasts of his deception and hints at further designs, possibly including Anna Howe herself.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace forges Clarissa's handwriting and letter to deceive Miss Howe, highlighting the theme of appearance versus reality.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace exerts control over Clarissa's correspondence, demonstrating his manipulative power.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Writes to Belford, boasting of intercepting and forging Clarissa's letter to Miss Howe.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Her letter to Miss Howe is intercepted; she is described as having 'flutters, confusions, and apprehensions.'

### Anna Howe

The intended recipient of Clarissa's intercepted letter; Lovelace forges a reply to spare her concern.

### John Belford

The recipient of Lovelace's letter, addressed as 'Jack.'

### Mr. Hickman

Clarissa's letter to Miss Howe is directed under cover to Hickman.

## Key lines

> The lady gave Will's sweetheart a letter last night to be carried to the post-house, as this morning, directed for Miss Howe, under cover to Hickman.

Clarissa gave a letter to Will's girlfriend to mail to Miss Howe via Hickman.

_Lovelace describes intercepting Clarissa's letter._

> I thought it would be but kind in me to save Miss Howe's concern on these alarming hints; since the curiosity of such a spirit must have been prodigiously excited by them.

Lovelace claims he forged the letter to spare Miss Howe worry, but really to maintain control.

_Lovelace justifies his forgery as kindness._

> All this pains for a single girl? Yes, Jack—But is not this girl a Clarissa?—And who knows, but kind fortune, as a reward for my perseverance, may toss me in her charming friend?

Lovelace asks if all his effort is worth it for one girl, then suggests he might also pursue Anna Howe.

_Lovelace hints at future designs on Anna Howe._

## Links

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