Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 340: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Belford arranges for a physician, Dr. H., to visit Clarissa, who is in very poor health. She insists on paying the doctor's fee despite her poverty, displaying her pride and independence. The doctor advises that her recovery depends largely on her own spirits. Belford learns that Clarissa is selling her rich dresses to raise money, and he secretly provides funds to purchase one. He also gives a brief account of her story to the doctor and apothecary, protecting Lovelace as much as possible.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's physical and mental suffering is evident; she seeks to maintain her dignity and independence even in her weakened state.
Class and Social Reputation
Clarissa's fine clothes and insistence on paying fees reflect her concern with social standing and not being beholden to others.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Belford allows the women to believe Clarissa may be married, concealing the true nature of her situation to protect her reputation.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Very ill, but insists on paying the doctor's fee from her own means; she is selling her fine clothes to raise money.
- John Belford
Arranges for Dr. H. to visit Clarissa, secretly provides funds to purchase her dress, and gives a discreet account of her story to the physicians.
- Robert Lovelace
Mentioned as the one who has ill-treated Clarissa; Belford tries to make his role as light as possible when relating her story.
- Mrs. Lovick
Attends Clarissa during her illness, offers to lend her money, and helps take inventory of her belongings.
- Mrs. Smith
Attends Clarissa, helps with the inventory, and is involved in the plan to purchase Clarissa's dress.
Key passages
“If I am poor, Sir, I am proud. I will not be under obligation, you may believe, Sir, I will not.”
Clarissa declares that even though she has little money, she refuses to accept charity and insists on paying for the doctor's visit herself.
Highlights Clarissa's fierce independence and pride despite her dire circumstances.
“Paternal, poor lady!—never having, till very lately, been from under her parents’ wings, and now abandoned by all her friends, she is for finding out something paternal and maternal in everyone...”
Belford observes that Clarissa, having recently left her family and now abandoned, seeks parental kindness from those around her.
Reveals Clarissa's longing for family and the emotional void left by her estrangement.