# Letter 272: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace writes to Belford about Clarissa's feigned illness and his plans to deceive her. He recounts a dream that he believes foretells her escape attempt, and shares a forged letter from Captain Tomlinson that falsely promises reconciliation with her uncle.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace orchestrates a complex deception involving a forged letter and a planned escape, while Clarissa feigns illness.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace manipulates those around him, including Dorcas and Mrs. Sinclair, to control Clarissa's movements and perceptions.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Author of the letter; plots to deceive Clarissa and interprets his dream as prophetic.

### John Belford

Recipient of the letter; Lovelace confides his schemes to him.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Feigns illness; Lovelace suspects she plans to escape.

### Dorcas Wykes

Reports Clarissa's condition to Lovelace and is involved in his schemes.

### Mrs. Sinclair

Mentioned as part of Lovelace's plan; he tells her he will leave at eight.

### Captain Tomlinson

Author of a forged letter that Lovelace plans to use to manipulate Clarissa.

## Key lines

> No admittance yet to my charmer! she is very ill⁠—in a violent fever, Dorcas thinks. Yet will have no advice.

Lovelace has not been allowed to see Clarissa; she is reportedly very ill with a fever but refuses medical help.

_Lovelace suspects Clarissa is feigning illness to avoid him._

> I have a strange notion that the matronly lady will be certainly at the grocer’s shop at the hour of nine tomorrow morning: for Dorcas heard me tell Mrs. Sinclair, that I should go out at eight precisely; and then she is to try for a coach: and if the dowager’s chariot should happen to be there, how lucky will it be for my charmer! how strangely will my dream be made out!

Lovelace believes Clarissa will try to escape at nine o'clock, and he has set a trap by pretending to leave at eight, hoping his dream of her escape will come true.

_Lovelace is actively plotting to catch Clarissa in an attempted escape._

> I have just received a letter from Captain Tomlinson. Is it not wonderful? for that was part of my dream.

Lovelace has received a letter from Captain Tomlinson, which he claims matches his dream.

_The letter is forged and part of Lovelace's scheme to deceive Clarissa._

## Links

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