Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 336: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Belford writes to Lovelace about his efforts to assist Clarissa after her arrest. He describes visiting her in a miserable lodging, bringing her letters, and arranging for her removal to Mrs. Smith's. Belford assures Clarissa of Lovelace's innocence regarding the arrest, though she remains skeptical. He also retrieves her belongings from Mrs. Sinclair's, preventing theft by Sally and Polly, and gains Mrs. Smith's trust.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's physical and emotional suffering is highlighted, along with her prayer for Lovelace, suggesting a redemptive perspective.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Belford's assurances of Lovelace's innocence clash with Clarissa's deep distrust, and the apothecary's poor appearance belies his profession.
Power and Manipulation
Sally and Polly's attempt to steal Clarissa's belongings reflects manipulation and exploitation within Sinclair's house.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Weak and low, she accepts Belford's help, moves to Mrs. Smith's, and expresses distrust of men while showing openness about her imprisonment.
- John Belford
Acts as intermediary, arranging Clarissa's removal, retrieving her belongings, and defending Lovelace's innocence regarding the arrest.
- Robert Lovelace
Absent but central; Belford asserts his innocence of the arrest and criticizes his treatment of Clarissa.
- Mrs. Smith
Receives Clarissa at her lodgings, assists in retrieving belongings, and gains trust from Belford.
- Sally Martin
Attempts to steal a Brussels-lace head from Clarissa's belongings, showing her predatory nature.
- Polly Horton
Implicated with Sally in attempting to take Clarissa's possessions.
Key passages
“I doubt, Sir, said she, as she moved, I have behaved rudely to you: but, if you knew all, you would forgive me.”
Clarissa apologizes to Belford for her earlier rudeness, suggesting that understanding her full story would excuse her behavior.
Shows Clarissa's humility and awareness of her own distress.
“O Mrs. Smith, said she, as soon as she saw her, did you not think I was run away?—You don’t know what I have suffered since I saw you. I have been in a prison!—Arrested for debts I owe not!—But, thank God, I am here!”
Clarissa exclaims to Mrs. Smith about her ordeal, revealing her arrest for debts she does not owe and her relief at being safe.
Highlights Clarissa's openness and the injustice of her arrest.
“Does this not show, that revenge has very little sway in her mind; though she can retain so much proper resentment?”
Belford observes that Clarissa distinguishes between revenge and justified resentment, showing her moral superiority.
Reflects Belford's admiration for Clarissa's character.