# Letter 248: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace recounts a two-hour garden meeting with Clarissa at Mrs. Moore's, where she remains resolute in her refusal to reconcile, citing his vile conduct and the house's corruption. She plans to live independently on her estate or flee abroad, awaiting Miss Howe's next letter. Lovelace, desperate, relies on Lady Betty and Miss Montague's mediation and hopes to intercept Miss Howe's letter.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace manipulates perceptions, feigning reconciliation while plotting to intercept letters and deceive Clarissa about his intentions.

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa asserts her agency by planning an independent life or escape, resisting Lovelace's coercion despite societal pressures.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace employs strategic manipulation, using intermediaries and false promises to control Clarissa's situation and choices.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Maintains her resolve against Lovelace, expresses plans for independent living or escape, and awaits Miss Howe's letter.

### Robert Lovelace

Desperate and manipulative, he recounts the meeting, notes Clarissa's tenderness, and plots to intercept Miss Howe's letter.

### John Belford

Recipient of Lovelace's letter, confidant to his schemes and frustrations.

### Anna Howe

Mentioned as the source of Clarissa's awaited letter, which Lovelace fears will expose his plots.

### Captain Tomlinson

Sent to persuade Uncle Harlowe to attend the ceremony, part of Lovelace's deception.

### Mrs. Moore

Hosts the meeting and is misled by Lovelace about the reconciliation's status.

## Key lines

> She frankly owned that she had once thought of embarking out of all our ways for some one of our American colonies.

Clarissa admitted she had considered fleeing to America to escape Lovelace and her family.

_Reveals Clarissa's desperation and desire for complete separation._

> I would bind, gag, strip, rob, and do anything but murder, to intercept it.

Lovelace would go to extreme lengths, short of killing, to get hold of Miss Howe's letter.

_Highlights Lovelace's obsessive need to control information._

> She often wept as she talked, and much oftener sighed. She looked at me twice with an eye of undoubted gentleness, and three times with an eye tending to compassion and softness; but its benign rays were as often snatched back.

Clarissa showed signs of lingering affection through tears and gentle looks, but quickly suppressed them.

_Indicates Clarissa's internal conflict between resentment and residual tenderness._

## Links

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