Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 253: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford from Hampstead, detailing his latest conference with Clarissa.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford from Hampstead, detailing his latest conference with Clarissa. He feigns politeness and presses his suit, but she remains resolute, preferring a single life and rejecting his proposals. Lovelace rationalizes his planned assault, arguing that even if she falls, she can still live virtuously and be a penitent. He arranges for a servant to surveil her and resolves to proceed with his scheme.
Themes in this chapter
Libertinism and Morality
Lovelace rationalizes his planned assault, arguing that a woman can be virtuous after losing her honor and that the trial of virtue is justified.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace puts on a serene and polite countenance while harboring revenge and deceitful intentions.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace manipulates Clarissa through feigned politeness, surveillance, and leveraging his relatives' visit to pressure her.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes to Belford, plotting his next moves and rationalizing his intended crime.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Remains firm in her rejection of Lovelace, preferring a single life and awaiting Miss Howe's letter.
- John Belford
Recipient of Lovelace's letter, confidant and correspondent.
- Anna Howe
Her letter influences Lovelace's mood; Clarissa awaits her next letter before making decisions.
- Mrs. Moore
Hosts Clarissa at Hampstead; present during the conference.
- Miss Rawlins
Visits Clarissa but is called away, disappointing Clarissa's hopes for a walk.
Key passages
“Don’t tell me that virtue and principle are her guides on this occasion!—’Tis pride, a greater pride than my own, that governs her.”
Lovelace dismisses Clarissa's virtue as mere pride, claiming her refusal is driven by arrogance rather than moral principle.
Lovelace's attempt to reinterpret Clarissa's steadfastness as pride rather than virtue.
“Should she fail in the trial; should I succeed; and should she refuse to go on with me; and even resolve not to marry me... yet cannot she be altogether unhappy—Is she not entitled to an independent fortune?”
Lovelace argues that even if he rapes her and she refuses to marry him, she will still be financially secure and can live a comfortable, penitent life.
Lovelace's rationalization that Clarissa's independent fortune mitigates the harm of his planned crime.
“And is a woman who can live thus prettily without control... to be said to be ruined, undone, and such sort of stuff?”
Lovelace scoffs at the idea that a woman who can live independently and penitently after losing her honor is truly 'ruined.'
Lovelace's cynical dismissal of the social consequences of rape for a woman of means.