Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 383: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford, expressing his chagrin and disappointment after a letter from Miss Howe to his cousins reveals Clarissa's final rejection of him.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford, expressing his chagrin and disappointment after a letter from Miss Howe to his cousins reveals Clarissa's final rejection of him. His family, including Lady Sarah, Lady Betty, Lord M., and his cousins, read the letter and are moved by Clarissa's virtue, which only deepens Lovelace's frustration. He swears he will marry her even if it leads to her death, and outlines three possible methods for the marriage to take place. His cousin Charlotte writes a letter to Clarissa on his behalf, which Lovelace approves, and he postpones his plans to go to town pending her reply. He urges Belford to use his eloquence to persuade Clarissa and offers his assistance in Belford's affairs.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace manipulates his family and plans to force Clarissa into marriage, using threats and alternative proposals to control the outcome.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace accuses Clarissa of pretending to be governed by principle rather than passion, while he himself presents a facade of humility and honor to achieve his ends.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Lovelace's family pressures him regarding Clarissa, and he rebels against their judgments while still seeking their involvement in his marriage plans.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Author of the letter; expresses chagrin and disappointment at Clarissa's final rejection, swears to marry her, and outlines three marriage methods.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; Lovelace urges him to use his eloquence to persuade Clarissa and offers assistance in his affairs.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Subject of the letter; her final rejection of Lovelace is conveyed via Miss Howe's letter, and she is praised for her virtue by Lovelace's family.
- Anna Howe
Sent a letter to Lovelace's cousins containing Clarissa's final rejection and other affecting passages.
- Miss Charlotte Montague
Lovelace's cousin; writes a letter to Clarissa on his behalf, which he approves and encloses.
- Lord M.
Present at the reading of the letters; Lovelace proposes that Lord M. give Clarissa away at the wedding.
Key passages
“I am most confoundedly chagrined and disappointed: for here, on Saturday, arrived a messenger from Miss Howe, with a letter to my cousins; which I knew nothing of till yesterday; when Lady Sarah and Lady Betty were procured to be here, to sit in judgment upon it with the old Peer, and my two kinswomen.”
Lovelace is extremely frustrated and let down because a messenger from Miss Howe brought a letter to his cousins on Saturday, which he only learned about yesterday. His relatives, including Lady Sarah, Lady Betty, Lord M., and his cousins, gathered to judge the contents.
Lovelace describes his shock and the family council convened over Miss Howe's letter.
“Were her death to follow in a week after the knot is tied, by the Lord of Heaven, it shall be tied, and she shall die a Lovelace!”
Even if Clarissa were to die within a week of the marriage, Lovelace swears he will marry her so that she dies as his wife.
Lovelace expresses his determination to marry Clarissa at any cost, even if it leads to her death.
“One of them she must choose—by my soul, she must.”
Lovelace insists that Clarissa must select one of the three marriage methods he has proposed.
Lovelace's forceful demand that Clarissa comply with his plans.
