Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 35: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford, boasting of his manipulation of the Harlowe family through his spy Joseph Leman.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford, boasting of his manipulation of the Harlowe family through his spy Joseph Leman. He describes how Leman has been planted to monitor Clarissa's movements and has falsely reported that she attempted to bribe him to send a letter, thereby securing the family's trust and ensuring Clarissa's garden walks remain unsuspected. Lovelace reveals he has obtained keys to the garden door and plans a private interview with Clarissa, alternating between hopes of winning her love and threats of revenge if he fails.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace orchestrates a false narrative of Clarissa attempting to bribe Leman, manipulating the Harlowes' perception while secretly planning his own intrusion.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace exerts control over the Harlowe household through his spy, using deceit to secure his access to Clarissa and contemplating revenge if his love is not requited.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Author of the letter; revels in his manipulative schemes and plans a private interview with Clarissa.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; Lovelace confides his plots and intentions to him.
- Clarissa Harlowe
The object of Lovelace's schemes; her movements are secretly monitored, and he plans to confront her in the garden.
- Joseph Leman
Lovelace's spy within the Harlowe household; he provides information and has procured keys to the garden door.
Key passages
“The dear creature has tempted him, he told them, with a bribe (which she never offered) to convey a letter (which she never wrote) to Miss Howe; he believes, with one enclosed (perhaps to me): but he declined it: and he begged they would take notice of it to her.”
Lovelace has instructed Leman to falsely report to the Harlowes that Clarissa tried to bribe him to send a letter to Anna Howe, which she never actually wrote or offered.
Lovelace's manipulation of the family's perception to secure his own access.
“I have an account of all her motions here. And as she has owned to me in one of her letters that she corresponds privately with Miss Howe, I presume it is by this way.”
Lovelace has tracked Clarissa's movements and believes her secret correspondence with Anna Howe is conducted during her visits to the poultry yard.
Lovelace's surveillance of Clarissa's private activities.