Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 274: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace confronts Clarissa after her feigned illness and attempted escape.
What happens
Lovelace confronts Clarissa after her feigned illness and attempted escape. He tries to persuade her to marry him, showing her a letter from Captain Tomlinson, but she refuses, accusing him of deceit and expressing her determination never to forgive him. Lovelace reflects on her virtue and his own remorse.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her will and refuses to forgive Lovelace, maintaining her moral integrity despite her vulnerable position.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace feigns remorse and uses a letter to manipulate Clarissa, while she sees through his deceit.
Suffering and Redemption
Lovelace expresses remorse and a desire for redemption, but Clarissa's suffering and refusal to forgive highlight the theme.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Narrates the letter; attempts to manipulate Clarissa into marriage, expresses remorse and admiration for her virtue.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Confronts Lovelace, refuses his proposals, expresses despair and invokes her father's curse.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; Lovelace confides in him.
- Captain Tomlinson
Mentioned as the author of a letter used by Lovelace in his attempt to persuade Clarissa.
- Dorcas Wykes
Mentioned as having seen the letter from Captain Tomlinson.
Key passages
“By my soul, Belford, this dear girl gives the lie to all our rakish maxims. There must be something more than a name in virtue!”
Lovelace admits that Clarissa's steadfast virtue disproves his cynical beliefs about women.
Lovelace reflects on Clarissa's moral strength.
“I never, never will forgive thee!—I never, never will be thine!”
Clarissa firmly refuses to forgive Lovelace or marry him.
Clarissa's definitive rejection of Lovelace.
“Thy curse, O my cruel father, seems to be now in the height of its operation!”
Clarissa feels her father's curse is manifesting in her current suffering.
Clarissa expresses despair and a sense of doom.