Letter 370: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Libertinism and Morality

  Lovelace defends his libertine actions by comparing himself to historical and literary figures, arguing he is comparatively innocent.

• Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

  Lovelace plans to disguise himself as a clergyman to visit Clarissa, highlighting his use of deception.

• Power and Manipulation

  Lovelace manipulates Belford and schemes to regain control over Clarissa, showing his desire for power.

Characters to notice

• Robert Lovelace

  Writes to Belford, defending his actions and plotting a disguised visit to Clarissa.

• John Belford

  Recipient of the letter; criticized by Lovelace for his awkward advocacy and pessimistic views on Clarissa's recovery.

• Clarissa Harlowe

  Referred to as the 'queen of my heart'; Lovelace envies those admitted to her presence and plans to see her.

• Anna Howe

  Clarissa has written to her, giving reasons why she will not marry Lovelace.

• Mrs. Lovick

  Mentioned as a good woman; Lovelace plans to use her to gain access to Clarissa in disguise.

Key passages

• “How often have I ingenuously confessed my sins against this excellent creature?—Yet thou never sparest me, although as bad a man as myself.”

  Lovelace complains that despite his honest confessions of wrongdoing toward Clarissa, Belford never holds back his criticism, even though Belford is equally immoral.

  Lovelace expresses frustration with Belford's relentless judgment.

• “I am in a humour to play the fool with my pen: briefly then, from ancient story first:—Dost thou not think that I am as much entitled to forgiveness on Miss Harlowe’s account, as Virgil’s hero was on Queen Dido’s?”

  Lovelace, in a playful mood, argues that he deserves forgiveness from Clarissa as much as Aeneas deserved forgiveness from Dido.

  Lovelace uses classical precedent to justify his behavior.

• “I will see her. I’ll tell thee of an admirable expedient, just come cross me, to save thy promise, and my own.”

  Lovelace announces his determination to visit Clarissa and proposes a clever scheme to bypass Belford's promise.

  Lovelace reveals his plan to visit Clarissa in disguise.

• “I cannot bear the thought, that a woman whom once I had bound to me in the silken cords of love, should slip through my fingers, and be able, while my heart flames out with a violent passion for her, to despise me, and to set both love and me at defiance.”

  Lovelace cannot tolerate the idea that Clarissa, once bound to him by love, could escape his grasp and scorn him despite his intense passion.

  Lovelace's pride and obsession with control are evident.