Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 278: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace receives a summons from his dying uncle Lord M.
What happens
Lovelace receives a summons from his dying uncle Lord M. and prepares to travel to Berkshire. He attempts to negotiate with Clarissa, proposing marriage and then a conditional release to Hampstead if she will promise to marry him on Thursday. Clarissa refuses his conditions but accepts his offer to escort her to Hampstead, though she will promise nothing. Frustrated by her defiance, Lovelace plans to consult the women of the house on his next move.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace attempts to manipulate Clarissa by offering conditional freedom in exchange for a marriage promise, while she resists his control.
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her agency by refusing Lovelace's conditions and insisting on her own terms, despite her vulnerable position.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Plans to travel to his dying uncle; proposes marriage and conditional freedom to Clarissa; frustrated by her refusal.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Refuses Lovelace's marriage proposal and conditional terms; agrees to go to Hampstead with him but makes no promises.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; Lovelace confides in him about his plans and frustrations.
- Dorcas Wykes
Informs Clarissa of Simon's arrival and is instructed on how to manage Simon's answers to Clarissa's questions.
- Lord M.
Reported to be dying; sends his chariot to summon Lovelace to his bedside.
Key passages
“I am still resolved upon matrimony, if my fair perverse will accept of me. But, if she will not—why then I must give an uninterrupted hearing, not to my conscience, but to these women below.”
Lovelace is determined to marry Clarissa if she agrees, but if she refuses, he will ignore his conscience and follow the advice of the women in the house.
Reveals Lovelace's conditional commitment to marriage and his willingness to resort to darker schemes.
“Then I ask you, then I request of you, to let me go to Hampstead. I paused—And at last—By my soul you shall—this very moment I will wait upon you, and see you fixed there, if you'll promise me your hand on Thursday, in presence of your uncle.”
Clarissa asks to be allowed to go to Hampstead, and after a pause, Lovelace agrees on the condition that she promises to marry him on Thursday in front of her uncle.
Highlights the bargaining and conditional trust between Lovelace and Clarissa.