Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 302: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Lady Betty Lawrance explained
Clarissa writes to Lady Betty Lawrance, whom she does not know personally, to ask for verification of several details regarding Lady Betty's supposed involvement in a scheme with Lovelace.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Lady Betty Lawrance, whom she does not know personally, to ask for verification of several details regarding Lady Betty's supposed involvement in a scheme with Lovelace. She inquires about a letter congratulating Lovelace on his marriage, a planned meeting at Reading, and a visit to Hampstead. Clarissa implies that the answers will reveal Lovelace's deceit and her own betrayed hopes.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa seeks to uncover the truth behind Lovelace's elaborate deceptions, questioning the appearance of family approval and marriage.
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa takes proactive steps to investigate and expose deceit, asserting her moral agency despite her vulnerable position.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes to Lady Betty Lawrance seeking confirmation of events that would expose Lovelace's deception.
- Lady Betty Lawrance
The recipient of Clarissa's letter; Clarissa asks her to confirm or deny her involvement in Lovelace's schemes.
- Robert Lovelace
Mentioned as the subject of Clarissa's inquiries; she seeks to prove his lack of veracity.
- Miss Charlotte Montague
Mentioned as possibly having accompanied Lady Betty to Reading and Hampstead.
- Captain Tomlinson
Mentioned as the source of the report to Mr. Spurrier about Lovelace's supposed nuptials.
Key passages
“I hope you’ll excuse the freedom of this address, from one who has not the honour to be personally known to you, although you must have heard much of Clarissa Harlowe.”
I apologize for writing to you, a stranger, but you likely know who I am.
Clarissa acknowledges the boldness of contacting Lady Betty directly.
“Whether you wrote a letter, dated, as I have a memorandum, Wedn. June 7 , congratulating your nephew Lovelace on his supposed nuptials, as reported to you by Mr. Spurrier, your Ladyship’s steward, as from one Captain Tomlinson”
Did you send a letter on June 7 congratulating Lovelace on his marriage, based on information from your steward and Captain Tomlinson?
Clarissa asks for confirmation of a key piece of evidence in Lovelace's deception.
“Be pleased, Madam, to direct to me, (keeping the direction a secret for the present), to be left at the Belle-Savage, on Ludgate hill, till called for.”
Please send your reply to me in secret at the Belle-Savage inn on Ludgate Hill.
Clarissa requests secrecy to avoid Lovelace intercepting the response.