Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 293: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Belford writes to Lovelace detailing Clarissa's attempted escape from the brothel, her confinement, and her eventual successful flight.
What happens
Belford writes to Lovelace detailing Clarissa's attempted escape from the brothel, her confinement, and her eventual successful flight. He reflects on the gravity of Lovelace's crimes and urges him to consider marriage as the only means to salvage honor.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa's determined attempts to escape and her assertion of her rights demonstrate her agency and virtue despite her victimization.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The brothel keepers' pretense of leaving the door unlocked to create an illusion of freedom contrasts with their actual vigilance.
Suffering and Redemption
Belford reflects on Clarissa's suffering and suggests marriage as a path to redemption for Lovelace.
Characters to notice
- John Belford
Narrates the letter, recounts Clarissa's escape, and admonishes Lovelace.
- Robert Lovelace
Recipient of the letter; Belford criticizes his actions and warns of consequences.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Described as making a spirited attempt to leave the brothel, then successfully escaping.
- Mrs. Sinclair
One of the brothel keepers who detains Clarissa and fears ruin.
- Sally Martin
Partner in the brothel; shares concerns about legal consequences.
- Dorcas Wykes
Servant who locks the street-parlour door to prevent Clarissa's escape.
Key passages
“The noble exertion of spirit she has made on Friday night, had, it seems, greatly disordered her; insomuch that she was not visible till Saturday evening; when Mabell saw her; and she seemed to be very ill: but on Sunday morning, having dressed herself, as if designing to go to church, she ordered Mabell to get her a coach to the door.”
Clarissa's brave effort on Friday night left her very ill, and she was not seen until Saturday evening. On Sunday, she dressed as if to go to church and asked Mabell to call a coach.
Describes Clarissa's condition and her initial attempt to leave.
“She asserted, that you had no authority over her; and never should have any: that their present refusal was their own act and deed: she saw the intent of their back house, and the reason of putting her there: she pleaded her condition and fortune; and said, they had no way to avoid utter ruin, but by opening their doors to her, or by murdering her, and burying her in their garden or cellar, too deep for detection: that already what had been done to her was punishable by death: and bid them at their peril detain her.”
Clarissa declared that Lovelace had no authority over her and accused the women of imprisoning her, warning them that they faced ruin or even execution if they continued to detain her.
Shows Clarissa's forceful assertion of her rights and her threat of legal consequences.
“If, as religion teaches us, God will judge us, in a great measure! by our benevolent or evil actions to one another—O wretch! bethink thee, in time bethink thee, how great must be thy condemnation.”
Belford reminds Lovelace that religion judges people by their actions toward others, and warns him of the severe judgment he faces.
Belford's moral admonition to Lovelace.