Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 341: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford, defending his actions and criticizing Belford's decision to share his letter with Clarissa.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford, defending his actions and criticizing Belford's decision to share his letter with Clarissa. He expresses his disdain for Hickman, discusses his plans to travel to France and Italy to forget Clarissa, and reflects on the nature of repentance. He also comments on the state of his companions and his hopes for Clarissa's recovery, dismissing the idea that her heart is broken.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace accuses Belford of playing him booty and discusses the deceptive nature of his own actions and the appearances he maintains.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace reflects on his manipulative strategies with women, including his desire to control Clarissa and his thoughts on handling passionate women like Miss Howe.
Suffering and Redemption
Lovelace contemplates repentance and reformation, dismissing deathbed repentance as ineffective and expressing his intention to reform in the future.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes to Belford, defending his character and criticizing Belford's actions. He expresses his intentions to travel and his disdain for Hickman.
- John Belford
Addressee of the letter; Lovelace criticizes him for sharing his letter with Clarissa and for his views on her condition.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Lovelace discusses her harsh words about him, her health, and his belief that she will recover and eventually forgive him.
- Mr. Hickman
Lovelace expresses a mortal aversion to him and interprets his request for an interview as a challenge.
- Anna Howe
Lovelace mentions her engagement to use her interest with Clarissa on his behalf and expresses a desire to have her in his power.
- Thomas Belton
Lovelace inquires about his health and warns Belford against preaching to him about conscience and reformation.
Key passages
“I would not afresh provoke: on the contrary, would give time for her resentments to subside, that so all that follows may be her own act and deed.”
Lovelace decides not to provoke Clarissa further, hoping that time will soften her anger and make any future reconciliation seem like her own choice.
Lovelace's strategic patience to manipulate Clarissa's feelings.
“A man in ill health, and crop-sick, cannot play with these solemn things as thou canst, and be neither better nor worse for them.”
Lovelace argues that a sick man cannot treat serious matters like repentance lightly, unlike Belford who can discuss them without consequence.
Lovelace's view on the inappropriateness of discussing repentance with the ill.
“I have very serious reflections now-and-then. Yet am I half afraid of the truth of what my charmer once told me, that a man cannot repent when he will.”
Lovelace admits to occasional serious thoughts but fears Clarissa's claim that repentance cannot be summoned at will.
Lovelace's internal conflict about his ability to reform.