Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 365: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Belford reports on Clarissa's declining health, her sale of clothes to a benefactress, and her delivery of a sealed packet of Lovelace's letters.
What happens
Belford reports on Clarissa's declining health, her sale of clothes to a benefactress, and her delivery of a sealed packet of Lovelace's letters. He pleads for Lovelace but is rebuffed. Mr. Hickman visits with a letter from Anna Howe, and Clarissa invites both to breakfast.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's physical and emotional decline is evident, yet she maintains her moral resolve and refuses to reconcile with Lovelace.
Friendship and Loyalty
Belford's continued advocacy for Lovelace and Hickman's visit on behalf of Anna Howe highlight bonds of friendship and duty.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Shows visible decline in health, continues writing, parts with her clothes, and gives Belford a packet of Lovelace's letters.
- John Belford
Reports on Clarissa's condition, pleads for Lovelace, and arranges a breakfast visit.
- Mr. Hickman
Visits Clarissa on behalf of Miss Howe, delivers a letter, and is visibly grieved by her appearance.
- Mrs. Lovick
Informs Belford of Clarissa's sale of clothes and her benefactress's reaction.
Key passages
“I saw a miserable alteration in her countenance for the worse”
Belford notices Clarissa looks much worse than before.
Highlights Clarissa's deteriorating health.
“She then stepped to her closet, and brought me a parcel sealed up with three seals”
Clarissa gives Belford a sealed packet of Lovelace's letters to return.
Symbolizes her final rejection of Lovelace.
“Her grief, in short, seems to me to be of such a nature, that time, which alleviates most other person's afflictions, will, as the poet says, give increase to hers.”
Belford believes Clarissa's sorrow will only deepen with time.
Reflects the theme of suffering and redemption.