# Letter 287: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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