# Letter 289: To Mr. Patrick McDonald explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace writes to his accomplice McDonald, instructing him on how to impersonate Captain Tomlinson and deceive Clarissa. He outlines a plan to manipulate her by hinting at her mother's secret engagement, while maintaining the fiction of a private arrangement. Lovelace emphasizes the need for vigilance from Mrs. Sinclair and her women, and advises McDonald on demeanor and dress to appear credible. He expresses his determination to marry Clarissa if she does not delay, and threatens to expose McDonald's smuggling if he fails.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace orchestrates an elaborate deception, instructing McDonald on how to appear as a man of consequence while fabricating a secret engagement to manipulate Clarissa.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace exerts control over McDonald through threats and bribes, and plans to dominate Clarissa's will through psychological manipulation and surveillance.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Writes to McDonald with detailed instructions for deceiving Clarissa, revealing his manipulative and strategic mindset.

### Clarissa Harlowe

The target of Lovelace's scheme; he discusses breaking her heart but not bending her will, and plans to use her mother's name to manipulate her.

### Mrs. Sinclair

Lovelace instructs McDonald to charge her and her nymphs to redouble vigilance over Clarissa's person and letters.

### Captain Tomlinson

McDonald is to impersonate Tomlinson, using a sealed letter directed to him under that name.

### Mrs. Harlowe

Lovelace plans to hint at her secret engagement to touch Clarissa, though the engagement is fabricated.

## Key lines

> I might break her heart, but not incline her will⁠—am in earnest therefore to marry her, if she let not the day slip.

Lovelace admits he could destroy Clarissa's spirit but cannot force her consent, so he genuinely intends to marry her if she does not delay the wedding.

_Reveals Lovelace's frustration with Clarissa's resistance and his conditional commitment to marriage._

> All women are cowards at bottom; only violent where they may.

Lovelace believes all women are inherently timid and only act boldly when they feel safe.

_Exposes Lovelace's cynical and misogynistic view of women, justifying his aggressive tactics._

> I have often more than half ruined myself by my complaisance; and, being afraid of control, have brought control upon myself.

Lovelace reflects that his own excessive politeness has sometimes led to his disadvantage, making him appear submissive.

_Shows Lovelace's self-awareness about the social dynamics of dominance and submission._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-289-to-mr-patrick-mcdonald
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters