# Letter 247: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-247-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters