Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 287: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford, expressing frustration and defiance after Belford threatens to act as a guarantee for his promises to Clarissa.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford, expressing frustration and defiance after Belford threatens to act as a guarantee for his promises to Clarissa. He insists he is in earnest about marrying her, but blames her for not accepting his offers. He sends copies of a letter to Clarissa and one to Captain Tomlinson, and warns that his schemes cannot be concealed much longer.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace acknowledges Clarissa's power over him now that she is in his power, and he manipulates Belford and Tomlinson to pressure her into marriage.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace's letter to Tomlinson is calculated to deceive Clarissa, and he admits his contrivances and stratagems cannot be hidden much longer.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes angrily to Belford, defending his honor and intentions toward Clarissa, while threatening further action if she remains silent.
- John Belford
Addressed by Lovelace; has threatened to act as a guarantee for Lovelace's promises, prompting Lovelace's defensive and defiant response.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Referenced as the object of Lovelace's obsession and frustration; he praises her virtue but resents her power over him.
- Captain Tomlinson
Mentioned as the recipient of a letter Lovelace encloses, designed to be shown to Clarissa.
Key passages
“What a man of honour thou of a sudden!— And so, in the imaginary shape of a guarantee, thou threatenest me!”
You've suddenly become a man of honor, threatening me by pretending to be a guarantor.
Lovelace mocks Belford's sudden moral stance and his threat to act as a surety.
“If she send me the four words , I will spare no fatigue to be in time, if not for the canonical hour at church, for some other hour of the day in her own apartment, or any other: for money will do everything”
If she agrees with those four words, I'll do whatever it takes to marry her, even outside church hours, because money can accomplish anything.
Lovelace indicates he is willing to bypass normal marriage procedures using bribery.