# Letter 31: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace writes to Belford from the countryside, expressing his frustration and obsession with Clarissa Harlowe. He describes the Harlowes' introduction of Solmes as a suitor, Clarissa's resistance and confinement, and his own conflicted feelings of love and revenge. He details his stratagems, his disdain for Clarissa's family, and his plans to involve Belford and others in his schemes, hinting at future mischief.

## Themes in this chapter

### Libertinism and Morality

Lovelace revels in his libertine identity, admitting his vice and his vow to revenge on women, while paradoxically admiring Clarissa's virtue.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace schemes to control Clarissa and her family, plotting stratagems and planning to use his friends to intimidate and achieve his ends.

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa is confined and pressured by her family to marry Solmes, while she resists, highlighting the conflict between duty and personal will.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Narrator of the letter; expresses love, frustration, and vengeful designs toward Clarissa and her family.

### John Belford

Recipient of the letter; Lovelace addresses him directly and instructs him to prepare for action.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Object of Lovelace's obsession; praised for her virtue and beauty, and described as confined and maltreated by her family.

### James Harlowe Jr.

Clarissa's brother; Lovelace blames him for introducing Solmes and plots revenge against him.

### Mr. Solmes

The rival suitor favored by the Harlowes; described as unpromising in person and qualities.

### Arabella Harlowe

Clarissa's sister; Lovelace mentions his initial mistaken visit to her instead of Clarissa.

## Key lines

> All the ground I have hitherto gained with her is entirely owing to her concern for the safety of people whom I have reason to hate.

Lovelace believes Clarissa's favor toward him stems from her worry about her family's safety, whom he despises.

_Lovelace acknowledges that Clarissa's kindness is not due to affection but to her protective nature._

> But is it not a confounded thing to be in love with one, who is the daughter, the sister, the niece, of a family, I must eternally despise?

Lovelace laments being in love with a woman whose family he hates.

_Highlights the irony and frustration of Lovelace's romantic entanglement._

> To carry off such a girl as this, in spite of all her watchful and implacable friends; and in spite of a prudence and reserve that I never met with in any of the sex;—what a triumph!—What a triumph over the whole sex!

Lovelace sees seducing Clarissa as a victory over all women, given her exceptional virtue and her family's vigilance.

_Reveals Lovelace's competitive and vengeful motives beyond mere love._

## Links

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