Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 275: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford, expressing concern over Lord M.'s dangerous illness from gout and his own dilemma regarding Clarissa, who has scorned his advances.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford, expressing concern over Lord M.'s dangerous illness from gout and his own dilemma regarding Clarissa, who has scorned his advances. He encloses a letter from Anna Howe, who is distressed and confused by Clarissa's return to Lovelace and demands an explanation. Lovelace reflects on his manipulations and the precarious state of his schemes.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace's manipulation of Clarissa through Captain Tomlinson's letter and his own inventions highlights the theme of deception, as he struggles to maintain his facade.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace's schemes to control Clarissa and his strategic considerations about Lord M.'s wealth underscore his manipulative pursuit of power.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes to Belford, anxious about Lord M.'s illness and frustrated by Clarissa's rejection; he encloses Anna Howe's letter.
- John Belford
Recipient of Lovelace's letter; Lovelace assumes he is recovering and addresses him directly.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Described as having scornfully denied Lovelace's company; Anna Howe's letter questions her return to Lovelace and her silence.
- Anna Howe
Writes a severe letter to Clarissa, expressing amazement at her return to Lovelace and demanding an explanation.
- Lord M.
Reported to be dangerously ill with gout in the stomach from drinking lemonade; Lovelace considers visiting him.
- Dorcas Wykes
Mentioned as having a searching conversation with Clarissa and attempting to reassure her, though Lovelace is uncertain of her success.
Key passages
“A man of £8,000 a year to prefer his appetite to his health!—He deserves to die!—But we have all of us our inordinate passions to gratify: and they generally bring their punishment along with them—so witnesses the nephew, as well as the uncle.”
Lovelace criticizes Lord M. for indulging his appetite despite his wealth, but acknowledges that everyone's passions lead to their own punishment, including himself.
Reflects Lovelace's cynical view of human nature and his own awareness of his flaws.
“I am afraid she will make me desperate. For here have I sent to implore her company, and am denied with scorn.”
Lovelace fears Clarissa's rejection will drive him to desperation, as she has scornfully refused his request to see her.
Highlights Lovelace's frustration and the power struggle between him and Clarissa.
“Upon my word, Miss Harlowe, I am greatly distressed upon your account; for I must be so free as to say, that in your ready return with your deceiver, you have not at all answered my expectations, nor acted up to your own character.”
Anna Howe expresses her distress that Clarissa's quick return to Lovelace has failed to meet her expectations and is beneath her usual character.
Shows Anna's disappointment and confusion over Clarissa's actions.