Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 241: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace reports his return from Mrs.
What happens
Lovelace reports his return from Mrs. Moore's, where he was denied access to Clarissa. He reviews his current situation and precautions, including securing all rooms at Mrs. Moore's, cultivating allies like Mrs. Bevis and Miss Rawlins, and deploying his servants to monitor Clarissa's communications and movements. He also plans to have Mowbray, Tourville, and Belton stay at Hampstead for support, and awaits Captain Tomlinson's arrival.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace meticulously plans to deceive Clarissa and manipulate those around her, using false appearances and strategic payments.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace exerts control over Mrs. Moore, Miss Rawlins, and the servants, and orchestrates surveillance of Clarissa's communications.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Narrates his schemes and precautions after being denied access to Clarissa at Mrs. Moore's.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; Lovelace addresses him directly and spares him from immediate duties.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Referred to as 'my charmer' and 'my spouse'; she has refused Lovelace admittance and is the object of his plots.
- Miss Rawlins
Lives at Mrs. Moore's; her brother informs her of Lovelace's presence; she wavers between Clarissa's and Lovelace's stories.
- Mrs. Moore
Keeps lodgings at Hampstead; Lovelace has engaged all her rooms to secure her cooperation.
- Mrs. Bevis
Described as 'all my own' by Lovelace; he considers her an ally but has not yet spoken with her privately.
- Will
Lovelace's servant; lies in Mrs. Moore's house and is cultivating a romantic interest in one of the maids.
- Captain Tomlinson
Expected to arrive but has not yet come; Lovelace awaits his presence.
Key passages
“I have seen the women this morning, and find them half-right, half-doubting.”
Lovelace has spoken with the women and finds them partially convinced but still uncertain.
Reflects Lovelace's ongoing manipulation of Mrs. Moore and Miss Rawlins.
“I have engaged all the rooms she has to spare, to the very garrets; and that, as I have told thee before, for a month certain, and at her own price, board included; my spouse's and all: but she must not at present know it.”
Lovelace has rented all of Mrs. Moore's rooms for a month at her asking price, including Clarissa's board, but Clarissa is not to be told.
Demonstrates Lovelace's strategy to secure Mrs. Moore's loyalty through financial means.
“Miss Rawlins fluctuates, as she hears the lady's story, or as she hears mine.”
Miss Rawlins changes her opinion depending on whether she hears Clarissa's or Lovelace's version of events.
Highlights the theme of appearance versus reality and the unreliability of narrative.
“The rogue has saved £150 in my service.—More by 50 than I bid him save.”
Lovelace claims his servant Will has saved £150 in his service, more than he was instructed to save.
Illustrates Lovelace's cynical view of his servants and his use of incentives.
