# Letter 348: Mr. Belford, to Mr. Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Mr. Belford visits Clarissa, who is weak but resolute. She has written to her sister seeking revocation of her father's curse, expresses dutiful forgiveness toward her parents, and firmly rejects Lovelace, though she strives to pity and forgive him. Belford is struck by her virtue and condemns Lovelace's role in her suffering.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

Clarissa's physical decline and spiritual striving for forgiveness exemplify suffering leading to redemption, as she seeks to forgive Lovelace and reconcile with her parents.

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa asserts her moral agency by firmly rejecting Lovelace and choosing forgiveness, demonstrating virtue even in her weakened state.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Clarissa is weak but resolute, having written to her sister to seek revocation of her father's curse. She speaks dutifully of her parents, rejects Lovelace with finality, and strives to forgive him.

### John Belford

Belford visits Clarissa, reports her condition and words to Lovelace, and condemns Lovelace's actions while pleading for forgiveness on his behalf.

### Robert Lovelace

Lovelace is the recipient of Belford's letter; Clarissa rejects him utterly, though she tries to pity and forgive him. Belford curses him for his role in her decline.

### Mrs. Lovick

Mrs. Lovick is present during Belford's visit, gently noting Clarissa's excessive writing.

### Mrs. Smith

Mrs. Smith is also present during the visit, supporting Clarissa.

## Key lines

> She had had a tolerable night, and was much better in spirits; though weak in person; and visibly declining in looks.

Clarissa had slept reasonably well and felt more cheerful, but she remained physically frail and appeared to be fading.

_Belford observes Clarissa's improving spirits despite her declining health._

> I reject him with my whole heart:—yet, that although I say this with such a determination as shall leave no room for doubt, I say it not however with passion. On the contrary, tell him, that I am trying to bring my mind into such a frame as to be able to pity him; (poor perjured wretch! what has he not to answer for!) and that I shall not think myself qualified for the state I am aspiring to, if, after a few struggles more, I cannot forgive him too.

Clarissa declares she utterly rejects Lovelace, but without anger; instead, she is striving to pity and forgive him, believing she must do so to be worthy of heaven.

_Clarissa's final rejection of Lovelace is firm yet compassionate, reflecting her spiritual aspirations._

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