# Letter 333: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Belford writes to Lovelace detailing the horrid arrest of Clarissa by sheriff's officers, instigated by Lovelace's servant, and her subsequent imprisonment. He recounts her brave and sorrowful behavior, the vile conduct of Mrs. Sinclair and Sally Martin, and his own resolve to visit and free her. Belford condemns Lovelace's actions and warns of the fatal consequences.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

Clarissa's arrest and imprisonment epitomize her suffering, yet she seeks spiritual redemption by accepting complete ruin in this life.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

The arrest is a deceptive trap set by Lovelace's servant; the women's pretense of civility masks their vile intentions.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace's manipulation extends through his servant and the brothel women to control and break Clarissa, even after her escape.

## Character check-ins

### John Belford

Narrates the letter, investigates the arrest, and plans to visit Clarissa to set her at liberty.

### Robert Lovelace

The addressee; Belford holds him responsible for Clarissa's calamities and the arrest.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Arrested after church, imprisoned, and subjected to cruel treatment by Mrs. Sinclair and Sally Martin; she remains resolute and wishes for complete ruin.

### Mrs. Sinclair

The brothel keeper who demands payment and threatens Clarissa; her behavior is condemned by Belford.

### Sally Martin

Visits Clarissa in prison, insults her, and claims to have a prior contract with Lovelace.

### Dorcas Wykes

Recommended the messenger who was beaten by Lovelace; she expected a share of the bounty.

## Key lines

> What a cursed piece of work hast thou made of it, with the most excellent of women!

You have made a terrible mess of things with the most excellent woman.

_Belford opens by condemning Lovelace's treatment of Clarissa._

> She absolutely refused to see any man, however, for that day, or to answer further to anything said from me.

She refused to see any man that day, including me, and would not respond to my messages.

_Clarissa's determination to have solitude on her last possible Sunday._

> Let my ruin, said she, lifting up her eyes, be large! Let it be complete, in this life!—For a composition, let it be complete.

Let my ruin be total and complete in this life, as a final settlement.

_Clarissa's resigned acceptance of her fate, wishing for no partial relief._

## Links

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