# Letter 269: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace writes to Belford, justifying his resumption of manipulative schemes against Clarissa after discovering she has secretly promised to provide for Dorcas in exchange for help escaping what she calls an 'illegal confinement.' He interprets her actions as authorizing his plots and argues that she is now corrupting others, thereby disgracing herself. He dismisses her plan as a desperate, flimsy contrivance.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace accuses Clarissa of being a 'sweet corruptress' and using artifice, while he himself is engaged in elaborate deception; the letter highlights the theme of hidden motives and false appearances.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace manipulates the narrative to justify his own schemes, and Clarissa attempts to use bribery to gain freedom, illustrating the power struggles between characters.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Writes to Belford, justifying his renewed schemes and interpreting Clarissa's actions as a cue for his own plots.

### John Belford

Recipient of Lovelace's letter; Lovelace addresses him directly, defending his behavior.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Described by Lovelace as having given a written promise to Dorcas, revealing she is not married and attempting to bribe her way to escape.

### Dorcas Wykes

The servant to whom Clarissa gives a signed note promising future provision in exchange for assistance in her escape.

## Key lines

> This dear creature will not let me be good . She is now authorizing all my plots by her own example.

Lovelace claims that Clarissa's actions give him permission to continue his schemes, as she is setting a bad example.

_Lovelace twists Clarissa's attempt to escape into justification for his own manipulative behavior._

> A straw shall she find to be the refuge she has resorted to.

Lovelace dismisses Clarissa's plan as a hopeless, flimsy attempt at escape.

_He compares her efforts to a drowning person grasping at a straw, implying futility._

## Links

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