Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 265: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace receives news that Lord M.
What happens
Lovelace receives news that Lord M. is gravely ill, prompting him to consider the advantages of inheriting his estate and title. He prepares for a confrontation with Clarissa, who has finally agreed to see him after repeated refusals. Dorcas reports that Clarissa suspects the house is a trap and denies being married, indicating she is resolved to resist Lovelace's manipulations.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace manipulates the situation by using news of Lord M.'s illness to his advantage, and he pressures Clarissa into a meeting through peremptory demands, demonstrating his strategic control.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa suspects the house is a trap for dreadful mischief, while Lovelace maintains a facade of marriage and gentility. Dorcas pretends not to understand Clarissa's denial of marriage, highlighting the theme of deception.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Lovelace receives news of Lord M.'s illness and plans to accelerate his schemes, hoping the inheritance will help him win Clarissa. He is determined to see her despite her resistance.
- John Belford
Lovelace writes to Belford, sharing his plans and reflections on the potential inheritance.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Clarissa reluctantly agrees to see Lovelace after his peremptory demand. She suspects the house is designed for her ruin and denies being married, showing her resolve.
- Dorcas Wykes
Dorcas acts as intermediary, reporting Clarissa's suspicions and pleas for pacification. She hints at Lord M.'s illness to Clarissa.
- Lord M.
Lord M. is reported to be very ill, prompting Lovelace to consider the inheritance.
- Simon Collins
Simon Parsons, Lord M.'s steward, sends intelligence about Lord M.'s illness to Lovelace.
Key passages
“I have this moment intelligence from Simon Parsons, one of Lord M.'s stewards, that his Lordship is very ill.”
Lovelace has just received word from Lord M.'s steward that Lord M. is seriously ill.
This news sets the stage for Lovelace's plans regarding inheritance.
“Proudly as this lady pretends to be above all pride, grandeur will have its charms with her; for grandeur always makes a man's face shine in a woman's eye.”
Although Clarissa claims to be indifferent to status, Lovelace believes that wealth and title will still attract her.
Lovelace's cynical view of Clarissa's motivations reveals his manipulative mindset.
“She will have it now, it seems, that I had the wickedness from the very beginning, to contrive, for her ruin, a house so convenient for dreadful mischief.”
Clarissa now believes that Lovelace deliberately chose this house to facilitate her ruin.
Clarissa's growing awareness of the trap underscores the theme of deception.