# Letter 341: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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