# Letter 254: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace writes to Belford, enclosing a marriage license he has obtained for himself and Clarissa. He mocks the license's formal language and heraldic symbols, then launches into a satirical proposal for annual marriages, arguing that such a system would eliminate jealousy, adultery, and other vices while benefiting society. His tone is playful and libertine, revealing his reluctance to be permanently bound in marriage.

## Themes in this chapter

### Libertinism and Morality

Lovelace's mockery of the marriage license and his proposal for annual marriages exemplify his libertine rejection of conventional moral and legal bonds.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace obtains a license under false pretenses, acknowledging that his suggestions are not 'literally true,' and plans to use it deceptively.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Writes to Belford with a marriage license in hand, mocking its contents and proposing a fantastical scheme for annual marriages.

### John Belford

The recipient of Lovelace's letter, addressed familiarly as 'Jack'.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Named in the marriage license as the intended bride, though Lovelace's mockery suggests he does not intend to honor it sincerely.

## Key lines

> Durst ever see a license, Jack?

Have you ever seen a marriage license, Jack?

_Lovelace opens with a rhetorical question, boasting about obtaining the license._

> Could a man do as the birds do, change every Valentine's day, ... there would be nothing at all in it.

If a man could change partners annually like birds on Valentine's Day, marriage would be no burden.

_Lovelace fantasizes about annual marriages to avoid lifelong commitment._

## Links

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