Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 339: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Belford visits Clarissa, who is weak but dignified.
What happens
Belford visits Clarissa, who is weak but dignified. He attempts to defend Lovelace's character and intentions, but Clarissa rebuffs him, expressing her horror at Lovelace's deceit and cruelty. She refuses any further contact with Lovelace and dismisses his offers of amends. Belford reflects on her virtue and his own guilt for not intervening sooner.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her moral authority and refuses to be swayed by Lovelace's supposed penitence, demonstrating her agency and unwavering virtue.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace's forgeries, false identities, and pretended remorse are contrasted with Clarissa's clear-sighted condemnation of his true character.
Friendship and Loyalty
Belford's conflicted loyalty to Lovelace and his growing reverence for Clarissa highlight the tension between friendship and moral duty.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Clarissa is weak and low, but maintains her dignity and moral clarity. She rebuffs Belford's attempts to defend Lovelace, expresses her horror at his forgeries and deceptions, and declares she never wishes to see Lovelace again.
- John Belford
Belford visits Clarissa, attempts to plead Lovelace's case, and reads parts of Lovelace's letter to her. He feels reverence for Clarissa and guilt for not doing more to protect her.
- Robert Lovelace
Lovelace is discussed throughout as the perpetrator of the wrongs against Clarissa. Belford reads his letter and tries to defend him, but Clarissa condemns his wickedness and deceit.
- Anna Howe
Mentioned as Clarissa's former friend and as the recipient of letters from Lovelace's cousins seeking her intercession.
- Mrs. Smith
Present during Belford's visit, along with the nurse, but retires when Belford and Clarissa speak privately.
Key passages
“everyone, in the long run, will enjoy, who has the virtue to withstand, or prevent, a wicked purpose.”
Those who have the strength to resist or stop evil will ultimately be rewarded.
Clarissa's reflection on the ultimate triumph of virtue.
“I hope, for your own sake, you will one day experience the difference: and, when you do, think of Miss Howe and Clarissa Harlowe, (I find you know much of my sad story), who were the happiest creatures on earth in each other’s friendship till this friend of yours”
She hopes Belford will one day know the joy of virtuous friendship, as she and Anna Howe once did before Lovelace destroyed it.
Clarissa contrasts her past happiness with her current suffering.
“What a man is your friend, Sir!—Is such a one as he to set himself up to punish the guilty?—All the rough usage I could receive from them, was infinitely less”
Clarissa scoffs at Lovelace's presumption to punish others, noting that his own treatment of her was far worse.
Clarissa's indignation at Lovelace's hypocrisy.
“I really think, would choose death rather than thee”
Belford believes Clarissa would prefer death to marrying Lovelace.
Belford's assessment of Clarissa's resolve.