Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 261: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford detailing his plan to invite Mrs.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford detailing his plan to invite Mrs. Moore, Miss Rawlins, and Mrs. Bevis to visit, intending to seduce them with the help of his libertine friends. He describes each woman's character and his manipulative strategy. The letter also includes a report of Clarissa's disturbed mental state, as she raves incoherently, expressing fear of Mrs. Sinclair and despair over her condition, while Lovelace notes her apparent recovery and plans to use Captain Tomlinson to pacify her.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace's detailed plan to manipulate the three women through dancing, drinking, and mutual encouragement reflects his desire for control and conquest.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace intends to create false excuses for Clarissa's absence and to use the women's own camaraderie to ensure they keep secrets, highlighting the gap between appearance and truth.
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's fragmented speech reveals her profound suffering, guilt, and desire for isolation, contrasting with Lovelace's callous scheming.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Plans a frolic with Mrs. Moore, Miss Rawlins, and Mrs. Bevis, describing his manipulative intentions.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; Lovelace addresses him directly and expects him to join the planned frolic.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Reported by Dorcas to be recovering; her rambling speech reveals fear of Mrs. Sinclair and deep despair.
- Mrs. Sinclair
Clarissa expresses terror of her, calling her a frightful woman and asking not to see her again.
- Dorcas Wykes
Provides account of Clarissa's behavior; Lovelace mentions her teasing Clarissa.
- Captain Tomlinson
Lovelace plans to inform him of Clarissa's recovery to pacify her via uncle John.
Key passages
“I am really sick at heart for a frolic, and have no doubt but this will be an agreeable one.”
Lovelace expresses a strong desire for entertainment and is confident his plan will succeed.
Reveals Lovelace's restless and predatory nature.
“O wretched, wretched Clarissa Harlowe! For I never will be Lovelace—let my uncle take it as he pleases.”
Clarissa insists on her own identity and rejects any association with Lovelace, despite her uncle's wishes.
Shows Clarissa's mental distress and determination to maintain her sense of self.
“I must be properly enabled, from that quarter, to pacify her, or, at least, to rebate her first violence.”
Lovelace plans to use Captain Tomlinson and uncle John to calm Clarissa's anger when she recovers.
Highlights Lovelace's manipulative strategy to control Clarissa's reactions.