# Letter 246: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace writes to Belford in a state of turmoil, debating whether to marry Clarissa or pursue his original scheme. He imagines a violent internal struggle with his conscience, personified as a thief who stole his pen, and ultimately resolves to continue his plot, justifying his actions through cynical reasoning.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace justifies his falsifications and vows, arguing that women are taught to expect deceit from men, and that his schemes are a necessary evil.

### Libertinism and Morality

Lovelace's internal debate highlights his libertine philosophy, his resistance to marriage, and his rationalization of vice as a public benefit.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Author of the letter; wrestles with his conscience and resolves to persist in his schemes.

### John Belford

Recipient of the letter; Lovelace addresses him as a fellow rake and confidant.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Referred to as the object of Lovelace's schemes; her forgiveness and potential marriage are debated.

### Captain Tomlinson

Mentioned as having a debate with Lovelace about the fate of the lady.

## Key lines

> No rest, says a text that I once heard preached upon, to the wicked —and I cannot close my eyes ( yet only wanted to compound for half an hour in an elbow-chair)—so must scribble on.

Lovelace cannot sleep due to his guilty conscience, so he continues writing.

_Opens the letter with a reflection on his restless state._

> I am entirely within my worthy friend Mandeville’s assertion, that private vices are public benefits.

Lovelace invokes Mandeville's idea that individual wrongdoing can serve the common good.

_Lovelace uses this philosophy to justify his planned seduction of Clarissa._

> Upon my soul, Jack, it is a very foolish thing for a man of spirit to have brought himself to such a height of iniquity, that he must proceed, and cannot help himself, and yet to be next to certain, that this very victory will undo him.

Lovelace admits he is trapped by his own schemes and that winning may lead to his ruin.

_Shows Lovelace's awareness of his predicament and lack of free will._

## Links

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