Letter 252: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

  Lovelace's letter reveals his duplicity: he feigns innocence while plotting revenge, and Miss Howe's threats are met with his mockery and counter-schemes.

• Friendship and Loyalty

  Miss Howe's vehement defense of Clarissa contrasts with Lovelace's cynical dismissal of female friendship as mere 'chaff and stubble.'

• Power and Manipulation

  Lovelace revels in his manipulative power, plotting to ensnare both women and dismissing their plans as impotent.

Characters to notice

• Robert Lovelace

  Author of the letter; expresses vengeful intent against Miss Howe and Clarissa, mocks their friendship, and plots further manipulation.

• John Belford

  Recipient of the letter; Lovelace addresses him directly, seeking his complicity.

• Anna Howe

  Subject of Lovelace's wrath; her letter to Clarissa reveals her protective fury and plans involving Mrs. Townsend.

• Clarissa Harlowe

  Mentioned as the object of Miss Howe's concern and Lovelace's schemes; praised for her virtue.

• Mr. Hickman

  Mentioned as having offered to protect Clarissa; Lovelace mocks his tears and prostration.

• Mrs. Townsend

  Mentioned as a contact of Miss Howe with a 'manlike spirit' and brothers; Lovelace dismisses her threat.

Key passages

• “But he that is capable of giving those provocations, and has the power to punish those who abuse him for giving them, will show his resentment; and the more remorselessly, perhaps, as he has deserved the freedoms.”

  Lovelace argues that a man who provokes others and can retaliate will do so ruthlessly, especially if he knows he deserves the criticism.

  Lovelace justifies his vengeful response to Miss Howe's letter.

• “All that I know that beauty (so greatly coveted, and so greatly admired) is good for.”

  Miss Howe laments that beauty only brings danger, as seen in Clarissa's plight.

  Reflects the theme of beauty as a liability in the 18th century.

• “But I repeat, that the word is a mere word, the thing a mere name with them; a cork-bottomed shuttlecock, which they are fond of striking to and fro, to make one another glow in the frosty weather of a single-state; but which, when a man comes in between the pretended inseparables, is given up, like their music and other maidenly amusements.”

  Lovelace dismisses female friendship as trivial and easily abandoned when a man appears.

  Highlights Lovelace's cynical view of women's bonds.