Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 385: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Belford writes to Lovelace, explaining his delay in coming to town due to his own and Belton's affairs.
What happens
Belford writes to Lovelace, explaining his delay in coming to town due to his own and Belton's affairs. He reports that he visited Clarissa and found her visibly worsened, partly due to distressing letters from her family. He insists that Lovelace keep his promise not to molest her. The letter then notes a conversation between Belford and Clarissa regarding Miss Montague's letter and Lovelace's alternatives, the details of which are omitted as they appear in subsequent letters.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's visible decline and distress from her family's letters highlight her ongoing suffering, while Belford's efforts to protect her suggest a path toward redemption.
Friendship and Loyalty
Belford's insistence that Lovelace keep his promise not to molest Clarissa demonstrates his loyalty to both Lovelace and Clarissa, as well as his sense of moral duty.
Characters to notice
- John Belford
Writes to Lovelace, reports on Clarissa's declining health, and insists Lovelace keep his promise not to molest her.
- Robert Lovelace
Recipient of Belford's letter; Belford insists he honor his engagement not to personally molest Clarissa.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Visibly altered for the worse; distressed by letters from her family; Belford discusses Miss Montague's letter and Lovelace's alternatives with her.
- Thomas Belton
Belford mentions his own and Belton's affairs, and plans to go to Epsom to help Belton's sister take possession of his house.
- Mrs. Lovick
Belford sent to her to inquire about Clarissa's health.
Key passages
“I have been so much employed in my own and Belton’s affairs, that I could not come to town till last night; having contented myself with sending to Mrs. Lovick, to know, from time to time, the state of the lady’s health; of which I received but very indifferent accounts, owing, in a great measure, to letters or advices brought her from her implacable family.”
Belford explains that he was busy with his own and Belton's matters and only arrived in town the previous night. He had been checking on Clarissa's health through Mrs. Lovick, but the news was poor, largely because of harsh letters from her unforgiving family.
Belford reports on Clarissa's declining health and the cause.
“Let me tell thee, Lovelace, that I insist upon the performance of thy engagement to me that thou wilt not personally molest her.”
Belford demands that Lovelace keep his promise not to bother Clarissa in person.
Belford insists on Lovelace's promise.