Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 288: Mr. Lovelace, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Lovelace writes to Clarissa, expressing distress at her silence after three letters.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Clarissa, expressing distress at her silence after three letters. He informs her that Captain Tomlinson will visit her instead of Belford, and that Tomlinson will convey news of her mother's possible support for their union. He urges her not to disappoint the hopes of her uncle and mother, and suggests the marriage can be performed at any hour in her own apartments.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace manipulates Clarissa by invoking Captain Tomlinson and the false hope of family reconciliation to pressure her into marriage.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace uses emotional appeals and the threat of broken treaties to coerce Clarissa's compliance.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes pleadingly to Clarissa, anxious for her reply and arranging Captain Tomlinson's visit.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Addressed by Lovelace; she has not responded to his previous letters.
- John Belford
Mentioned as unable to attend Clarissa due to urgent affairs.
- Captain Tomlinson
Will visit Clarissa in Belford's stead, bearing news of her mother's possible approval.
Key passages
“Not one line, my dearest life, not one word, in answer to three letters I have written!”
Lovelace laments that Clarissa has not replied to any of his three letters.
Highlights Lovelace's growing desperation and Clarissa's silence.
“He will dispatch the messenger directly; whom I propose to meet in person at Slough; either to proceed onward to London with a joyful heart, or to return back to M. Hall with a broken one.”
Lovelace plans to meet the messenger at Slough, hoping for good news that will allow him to go to London joyfully, or else return in despair.
Illustrates Lovelace's emotional volatility and the high stakes of Clarissa's decision.