# Letter 273: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace recounts his failed plot to trick Clarissa into leaving the brothel under the pretense of being rescued by a dowager lady. He had arranged for Dorcas to persuade Clarissa to escape in a waiting chariot, but Clarissa suspected the scheme and refused to go. The letter includes Clarissa's own memoranda, in which she weighs her options, doubts Dorcas's loyalty, and fears further ruin, ultimately deciding to stay despite her desperation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace's elaborate plot to deceive Clarissa into believing she is being rescued by a dowager lady, while actually orchestrating her entrapment, highlights the theme of appearance versus reality.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace's manipulation of Dorcas, the servants, and the circumstances to control Clarissa's movements exemplifies the theme of power and manipulation.

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa's cautious reasoning and refusal to leave despite her desperation demonstrate her exercise of agency and adherence to virtue in a constrained situation.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Narrates his failed plot to trick Clarissa into leaving the brothel; expresses frustration and astonishment at her refusal.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Her memoranda reveal her suspicions of Dorcas and Lovelace, her internal conflict about escaping, and her fear of further ruin.

### Dorcas Wykes

Acted as Lovelace's implement in the plot to lure Clarissa into the chariot; Clarissa doubts her loyalty.

### Mrs. Sinclair

Planted in the entry by Dorcas to block Clarissa's escape attempt.

### John Belford

The recipient of Lovelace's letter; Lovelace recounts his schemes to him.

### Will

Ordered by Lovelace to keep watch for Clarissa's movements.

## Key lines

> What shall I say now!—I, who but a few hours ago had such faith in dreams, and had proposed out of hand to begin my treatise of dreams sleeping and dreams waking, and was pleasing myself with the dialogues between the old matronal lady and the young lady, and with the metamorphoses, (absolutely assured that everything would happen as my dream chalked it out), shall never more depend upon those flying follies, those illusions of a fancy depraved, and run mad.

Lovelace expresses his disillusionment with dreams, having previously believed his dream foretold success, but now realizing it was a foolish illusion.

_Lovelace's reflection on his shattered confidence in dreams as omens._

> How am I puzzled now!—He might leave this letter on purpose: none of the other papers left with it being of any consequence: What is the alternative?—To stay, and be the wife of the vilest of men—how my heart resists that!—To attempt to get off, and fail, ruin inevitable!—Dorcas may betray me!—I doubt she is still his implement!

Clarissa is torn between staying and becoming Lovelace's wife or attempting to escape and risking failure, suspecting Dorcas is still working for Lovelace.

_Clarissa's internal conflict as recorded in her memoranda._

> If I do escape, what may become of me, a poor, helpless, deserted creature!—Helpless from sex!—from circumstances!—Exposed to every danger!—Lord protect me!

Clarissa fears the dangers she would face as a woman alone if she escapes, feeling utterly vulnerable.

_Clarissa's lament about her helplessness due to her gender and situation._

## Links

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