# Letter 253: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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