Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 263: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford describing a confrontation with Clarissa, who accuses him of rape and betrayal with dignified composure.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford describing a confrontation with Clarissa, who accuses him of rape and betrayal with dignified composure. She demands her liberty and questions his schemes, while Lovelace struggles with guilt and suspicion that Belford may have betrayed his confidence.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her moral authority and demands control over her own life despite her ruin, embodying virtue and agency in the face of oppression.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace's elaborate schemes involving false identities (Lady Betty, Miss Montague) are exposed by Clarissa's penetrating insight, highlighting the theme of deception.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace's manipulation of Clarissa through deceit and imprisonment is central, as is his attempt to control the narrative and suspect Belford's loyalty.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Narrates the letter, describes his awe and guilt during Clarissa's accusation, and expresses suspicion of Belford's loyalty.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Confronts Lovelace with majestic composure, accuses him of rape and betrayal, demands her liberty, and rejects his marriage proposal.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; Lovelace suspects him of revealing secrets to Clarissa and demands reassurance.
- Anna Howe
Mentioned by Lovelace as influencing Clarissa against him and as his enemy.
- Lady Betty Lawrance
Mentioned as part of Lovelace's scheme to bring Clarissa back to town, though Clarissa now believes she was an impostor.
- Miss Charlotte Montague
Mentioned as part of Lovelace's scheme; Clarissa now doubts her authenticity.
Key passages
“You see before you, Sir, the wretch, whose preference of you to all your sex you have rewarded—as it indeed deserved to be rewarded.”
Clarissa declares that she is the miserable person who chose Lovelace over all other men, and he has repaid her choice as it deserved.
Clarissa's opening accusation, highlighting her sense of betrayal and self-blame.
“I have been all the day praying for a composure, if I could not escape from this vile house, that should once more enable me to look up to my destroyer with the consciousness of an innocent sufferer.”
Clarissa says she spent the day praying for calmness so that, if she cannot leave this wicked house, she can face her destroyer as an innocent victim.
Clarissa's composure is a deliberate spiritual effort, contrasting with Lovelace's guilt.
“What amends hast thou to propose! What amends can such a one as thou make to a person of spirit, or common sense, for the evils thou hast so inhumanely made me suffer?”
Clarissa asks what reparation Lovelace could possibly offer to a woman of spirit and sense for the evils he has inflicted.
Clarissa rejects the idea that marriage could atone for his crime, asserting her dignity.