# Letter 255: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace details his plot to deceive Clarissa by having two women impersonate Lady Betty Lawrance and Miss Charlotte Montague, using a hired coach and jewels to stage a rescue that will lead her back to Mrs. Sinclair's brothel. He instructs the impostors on their roles, emphasizing the need for natural airs and guarded eyes to avoid detection.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace orchestrates an elaborate masquerade, coaching impostors to mimic nobility and exploit Clarissa's trust.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace exerts control over the situation, directing every detail of the plot to trap Clarissa.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Schemes to deceive Clarissa with false relatives.

### John Belford

Recipient of Lovelace's letter detailing the plot.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Target of Lovelace's deception; described as cool and distinguishing.

### Lady Betty Lawrance

Impersonated by Lady Bab. Wallis in Lovelace's scheme.

### Miss Charlotte Montague

Impersonated by Johanetta Golding in Lovelace's scheme.

### Mrs. Sinclair

Has prepared for Clarissa's reception at the brothel.

## Key lines

> Well, but now my plots thicken; and my employment of writing to thee on this subject will soon come to a conclusion.

My schemes are intensifying, and I will soon finish writing to you about them.

_Lovelace signals the climax of his plan._

> I must soon blow up the lady, or be blown up myself.

I must either expose and ruin the lady, or be ruined myself.

_Lovelace frames the deception as a high-stakes gamble._

> Your commonly-assumed dignity won’t do for me now. Airs of superiority, as if born to rank.—But no overdo!—Doubting nothing.

Your usual pretentiousness won't work here. Act naturally superior, but don't overdo it—act as if you have no doubts.

_Lovelace instructs the impostors on subtlety._

## Links

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