Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 350: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford, expressing frustration at Belford's hatred and defending his own actions.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford, expressing frustration at Belford's hatred and defending his own actions. He reflects on Clarissa's refusal to marry him despite his willingness, criticizes her 'unforgiving forgiveness,' and recounts Belford's awkwardness in delivering a bank note. Lovelace also discusses his desire to obtain copies of Clarissa's letters, shares a story of a past conversion in Paris, and announces his plan to attend a ball given by Colonel Ambrose, hoping to see Mrs. and Miss Howe and possibly Arabella Harlowe.
Themes in this chapter
Libertinism and Morality
Lovelace defends his libertine actions as 'acting in character' and contrasts them with Clarissa's moral stance, while also expressing a desire for reform.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace discusses his past feigned conversion in Paris and his current plan to obtain Clarissa's letters through deception, highlighting the theme of appearance versus reality.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace seeks to manipulate Belford into obtaining Clarissa's correspondence and reflects on his own manipulative past, showing his ongoing desire for control.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes to Belford, expressing self-hatred and frustration over Clarissa's refusal, while still professing his love and honourable intentions.
- John Belford
Lovelace addresses him directly, criticizing his hatred and his awkward manner of delivering a bank note to Clarissa.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Lovelace discusses her refusal to marry him, her long conversation with strangers, and her 'unforgiving forgiveness'; he desires copies of her letters.
- Anna Howe
Lovelace mentions that Clarissa is about to write to Miss Howe, and that Mrs. and Miss Howe are expected at Colonel Ambrose's ball.
- Arabella Harlowe
Lovelace hopes to see her at the ball and refers to a letter Clarissa is writing to 'the Harlowe-Arabella.'
- Mr. Hickman
Lovelace compares Belford's speeches to Hickman's stiff ruffles and notes that Hickman will accompany Mrs. Howe to the ball.
Key passages
“What dost hate me for, Belford!—and why more and more! have I been guilty of any offence thou knewest not before?”
Why do you hate me more and more, Belford? Haven't I committed the same offenses you already knew about?
Lovelace questions Belford's growing hatred, implying that his actions are unchanged.
“She will certainly repent, some time hence, that she has thus needless exposed us both.”
She will regret later that she unnecessarily exposed both of us.
Lovelace predicts Clarissa will regret sharing her story with the women.
“What an ungrateful benefit-conferrer art thou!—How awkward, to take in into thy head, that the best way of making a present to a lady was to throw the present behind her chair!”
What an ungrateful giver you are! How awkward to think that the best way to give a lady a gift was to drop it behind her chair!
Lovelace mocks Belford's clumsy method of giving Clarissa the bank note.
“I am every day, every hour, more and more in love with her: and, at this instant, have a more vehement passion for her than ever I had in my life!”
I fall more in love with her every day and every hour; right now, my passion for her is stronger than ever.
Lovelace declares his intensifying love for Clarissa despite her refusal.
