Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 280: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford, frustrated that Clarissa refuses to listen to his tender speeches and insists on returning to Hampstead.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford, frustrated that Clarissa refuses to listen to his tender speeches and insists on returning to Hampstead. He renews his promise to let her go but presses her for a marriage commitment, which she denies. He contemplates revenge if she continues to refuse, but also considers this her final trial, after which he might reform if she behaves nobly.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace manipulates the household and Clarissa's circumstances, planning a final trial and contemplating revenge if she refuses him.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace presents a facade of compliance and tenderness while secretly plotting and considering violent revenge.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Frustrated and agitated, Lovelace writes to Belford about Clarissa's refusal to listen to him and his conflicting intentions of marriage or revenge.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Clarissa demands the performance of Lovelace's promise to let her go to Hampstead, refuses to see Mrs. Sinclair, and denies Lovelace's marriage request.
- John Belford
Belford is the recipient of Lovelace's letter, serving as his confidant.
- Dorcas Wykes
Dorcas is called in by Lovelace and offered as a servant to attend Clarissa at Hampstead.
- Will
Will is called in with Dorcas to receive orders regarding Clarissa's departure to Hampstead.
Key passages
“She will not suffer me to say half the obliging, the tender things, which my honest heart is ready to overflow with.”
Clarissa refuses to let Lovelace express his affectionate and kind feelings.
Lovelace complains that Clarissa denies him the chance to speak tenderly.
“She claimed the performance of my promise, the moment she saw me, of permitting her (haughtily she spoke the word) to go to Hampstead as soon as I was gone to Berks.”
Clarissa immediately demanded that Lovelace keep his promise to let her go to Hampstead after he leaves for Berkshire.
Clarissa insists on her freedom to leave, speaking with pride.
“May she not thank herself for all that may follow?”
Clarissa will have only herself to blame for any consequences of her refusal.
Lovelace warns that Clarissa's rejection may lead to dire outcomes.
“All the house in my interest, and everyone in it not only engaging to intimidate and assist, as occasion shall offer, but staking all their experience upon my success, if it be not my own fault, what must be the consequence?”
The entire household is on Lovelace's side, ready to intimidate and help him, so if he fails, it will be his own fault.
Lovelace boasts of the support he has from the brothel staff.
“A few hours will now decide all.”
The outcome of everything will be determined within a few hours.
Lovelace anticipates a decisive moment soon.