Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 247: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford early Sunday morning, first commenting on Belford's recent attendance on his dying uncle, then turning to his own plans to persuade Clarissa to walk out with him on the Heath.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford early Sunday morning, first commenting on Belford's recent attendance on his dying uncle, then turning to his own plans to persuade Clarissa to walk out with him on the Heath. He reflects on the hypocrisy of grief among heirs and legatees, and confesses his own urgent need to resolve his situation with Clarissa, either through marriage or rape.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace dissects the hypocrisy of mourners who feign grief while inwardly rejoicing at their inheritance, mirroring his own deceptive designs on Clarissa.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace's calculated plan to either marry or rape Clarissa reveals his manipulative pursuit of control over her fate.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes to Belford, expressing impatience and planning to coax Clarissa out for a walk; reflects on death and his own dilemma.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; has just attended his dying uncle and is now an heir; Lovelace mocks his feigned grief.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Lovelace's 'charmer'; he hopes to persuade her to walk on the Heath; she is described as loving to watch the sunrise.
Key passages
“I must be soon out of my pain; and my Clarissa shall be soon out of hers—for so does the arduousness of the case require.”
I need to end my own suffering soon, and I will end Clarissa's too—because the difficulty of the situation demands it.
Lovelace reveals his intention to resolve the standoff with Clarissa, hinting at either marriage or violence.