# Letter 365: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-365-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters