Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 271: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace recounts a detailed dream in which he imagines a scheme to trick Clarissa into escaping with the help of a supposed dowager (mother H.), only to be betrayed into his hands.
What happens
Lovelace recounts a detailed dream in which he imagines a scheme to trick Clarissa into escaping with the help of a supposed dowager (mother H.), only to be betrayed into his hands. He reflects on the pleasures of plotting and his determination to succeed, referencing his reliance on Dorcas and the impending visit of Captain Tomlinson regarding her uncle's birthday.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace's dream centers on a plot where a seemingly benevolent dowager is actually a co-conspirator, highlighting the theme of deceptive appearances.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace revels in the contrivance and manipulation of others, including Dorcas and mother H., to achieve his ends.
Libertinism and Morality
Lovelace's libertine philosophy is evident in his enjoyment of plotting and his disregard for Clarissa's virtue, viewing it as a game.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Narrates his dream and outlines his manipulative plot to ensnare Clarissa.
- John Belford
The recipient of Lovelace's letter, addressed as 'thou' throughout.
- Clarissa Harlowe
The target of Lovelace's scheme; described as innocent and virtuous, currently in the next room.
- Dorcas Wykes
Lovelace's servant, who in the dream acts as a traitress to gain Clarissa's trust.
- Mrs. Sinclair
Mentioned as the brothel keeper, contrasted with the more respectable-seeming mother H.
- Captain Tomlinson
Appears in the dream as a figure who helps pacify Clarissa with a letter about her uncle's birthday.
- Mrs. Norton
Mentioned in the dream as Clarissa's beloved companion living happily on the estate.
- Anna Howe
Mentioned in the dream as Clarissa's visitor.
Key passages
“What, as I have often contemplated, is the enjoyment of the finest woman in the world, to the contrivance, the bustle, the surprises, and at last the happy conclusion of a well-laid plot!”
Lovelace values the excitement of scheming and the eventual triumph more than the actual possession of Clarissa.
Reveals his preference for the chase over the conquest.
“Methought the old lady, moved with Dorcas's story, answered and said, 'Hasten, O damsel, who in a happy moment art come to put it in my power to serve the innocent and virtuous, which it has always been my delight to do.'”
In the dream, the dowager lady pretends to be a protector of virtue, offering Clarissa refuge.
Illustrates the deceptive appearance of the supposed benefactor.
“I can have no manner of doubt of succeeding in mother H.'s part of the scheme; for will the lady (who resolves to throw herself into the first house she can enter, or to bespeak the protection of the first person she meets, and who thinks there can be no danger out of this house, equal to what she apprehends from me in it) scruple to accept of the chariot of a dowager, accidentally offered?”
Lovelace is confident that Clarissa, desperate to escape, will readily accept help from a seemingly respectable stranger.
Highlights Lovelace's manipulation of Clarissa's desperation.
