Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 276: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford in a state of agitation after a tense early-morning meeting with Clarissa.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford in a state of agitation after a tense early-morning meeting with Clarissa. He describes her refusal to marry him, her desire to leave the house, and her accusation that he is merely an 'implement' of her brother's vengeance. After a physical struggle at the street door, Lovelace extorts a concession from Clarissa to wait until her uncle's birthday (Thursday), though she threatens suicide rather than yield. Lovelace vacillates between remorse and vengeful resolve.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her right to choose her own fate, refusing marriage and seeking to leave, despite Lovelace's coercion.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace uses physical force, threats, and emotional manipulation to extract a concession from Clarissa.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace's outward promises of marriage contrast with his inner vengefulness and the reality of the brothel house.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Lovelace is agitated, remorseful, and vengeful after Clarissa's defiance; he struggles with his own emotions and plots.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Clarissa is resolute in refusing Lovelace, threatens suicide, and attempts to escape; she accuses him of being her brother's tool.
- John Belford
Belford is the recipient of Lovelace's letter; Lovelace dismisses his earlier suspicions and mocks his pity.
- Polly Horton
Polly Horton is present at the street door, attempting to prevent Clarissa's escape.
- Sally Martin
Sally Martin hurries in with Mrs. Sinclair during the struggle at the window.
- Mrs. Sinclair
Mrs. Sinclair is called in and confronts Clarissa, who is terrified of her; she is described as a 'dragon'.
Key passages
“She knows not what revenge for slighted love will make me do.”
Clarissa does not realize how far I might go to get back at her for rejecting my love.
Lovelace threatens revenge, showing his volatile and dangerous mindset.
“I have but one request to make thee—the request so often repeated—That thou wilt this moment permit me to quit this house.”
I ask only one thing, which I have begged many times before: let me leave this house right now.
Clarissa's plea underscores her desperation and loss of freedom.
“A bad woman is certainly, Jack, more terrible to her own sex than even a bad man.”
A wicked woman is more frightening to other women than a wicked man is.
Lovelace observes the effect of Mrs. Sinclair on Clarissa, highlighting the gendered dynamics of fear.