# Letter 330: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace, in a panic, writes to Belford after learning that Mrs. Sinclair and Sally Martin have had Clarissa arrested for debt. He insists he had no part in the scheme and begs Belford to free her immediately, clear his name, and provide her with money and belongings.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

Clarissa's unjust arrest deepens her suffering, while Lovelace's frantic plea suggests a desire for redemption.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace fears the arrest will appear to be his own contrivance, highlighting the gap between appearance and truth.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Writes in frantic distress, disavowing the arrest plot and pleading for Belford's help.

### John Belford

Urgently summoned to free Clarissa and act as Lovelace's intermediary.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Arrested for debt by Mrs. Sinclair's agents; Lovelace insists she is innocent and must be freed.

### Mrs. Sinclair

The 'cursed woman' who orchestrated Clarissa's arrest, to Lovelace's fury.

### Sally Martin

Sent an exulting letter to Lovelace about finding and arresting Clarissa.

## Key lines

> All undone, undone, by Jupiter!⁠—Zounds, Jack, what shall I do now! a curse upon all my plots and contrivances!

Everything is ruined! I don't know what to do, and I curse all my scheming.

_Lovelace's opening exclamation of despair and self-blame._

> Set her free the moment you see her: without conditioning, free!⁠—On your knees, for me, beg her pardon

Release her immediately, with no conditions, and beg her forgiveness on your knees on my behalf.

_Lovelace's urgent command to Belford to free Clarissa and apologize._

## Links

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