# Letter 257: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace writes to Belford that the affair is over, Clarissa lives, and he signs off as his humble servant. The full account of this dark event is later given by Clarissa to Miss Howe in letters dated July 6.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

Lovelace's cryptic announcement that 'the affair is over' and Clarissa lives hints at her profound suffering and the potential for redemption.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

The brevity of Lovelace's letter contrasts with the gravity of the 'black transaction,' underscoring the deceptive surface of his communication.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Writes to Belford, declaring the affair over and that Clarissa lives.

### John Belford

Recipient of Lovelace's letter.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Mentioned as living; the full account of the black transaction is later given by her to Miss Howe.

### Anna Howe

Recipient of Clarissa's later letters detailing the event.

## Key lines

> The affair is over. Clarissa lives.

The terrible event has concluded, and Clarissa has survived.

_Lovelace cryptically reports the aftermath of the rape, leaving the details to be filled in by Clarissa's later account._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters