# Letter 262: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace reports that Clarissa attempted to escape while he was out, but was intercepted by Mrs. Sinclair. He anticipates a confrontation with her, confident that his boldness will overpower her modesty now that she has recovered her senses.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace revels in the power imbalance, planning to exploit Clarissa's modesty and confusion after her trauma.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Clarissa's attempt to escape is thwarted by the false pretense of Lovelace being her spouse, and her tears are misinterpreted by Lovelace as a tool for manipulation.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Narrates the letter; describes his anticipation of confronting Clarissa after her failed escape.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Attempts to flee but is stopped by Mrs. Sinclair; later seeks out Lovelace, red-eyed and sighing.

### Mrs. Sinclair

Intercepts Clarissa at the street door and forces her back upstairs.

### Dorcas Wykes

Scolded for allowing Clarissa to reach the passage; reports Clarissa's movements to Lovelace.

## Key lines

> She tripped down, with a parcel tied up in a handkerchief, her hood on; and was actually in the entry, when Mrs. Sinclair saw her.

Clarissa hurried downstairs carrying a small bundle and wearing her hood, but Mrs. Sinclair spotted her just as she reached the hallway.

_Describes Clarissa's attempted escape._

> What advantage will the confidence of our sex give me over the modesty of hers, if she be recovered!

Lovelace thinks his boldness as a man will easily overpower her feminine modesty now that she is lucid.

_Highlights Lovelace's predatory confidence._

## Links

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