Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 387: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Belford receives a letter from Clarissa requesting extracts from Lovelace's correspondence to clear her conduct.
What happens
Belford receives a letter from Clarissa requesting extracts from Lovelace's correspondence to clear her conduct. She specifies passages from the fire scene and subsequent days. Belford decides to comply, noting Lovelace's honesty in not slandering her, and expresses curiosity about her second request.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa seeks the truth of Lovelace's actions through his own letters, contrasting his written account with his deceptive behavior.
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's request for extracts is part of her effort to clear her conduct and find peace before her decline.
Characters to notice
- John Belford
Recipient of Clarissa's letter; decides to oblige her request for extracts from Lovelace's letters.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes to Belford requesting extracts from Lovelace's letters to clear her conduct, rejecting Lovelace's suit.
- Robert Lovelace
Subject of Clarissa's rejection; his letters are to be excerpted; Belford notes he did not slander her.
- Anna Howe
Mentioned as solicitous for Clarissa to provide an account of her conduct.
- Miss Charlotte Montague
Clarissa encloses a letter from her, which she has answered, rejecting Lovelace's suit.
Key passages
“It behoves me to leave behind me such an account as may clear up my conduct to several of my friends who will not at present concern themselves about me”
I need to leave a record that explains my actions to friends who currently ignore me.
Clarissa expresses her need to justify her conduct posthumously.
“I have therefore two requests to make to you: the first I will now mention; the other, if this shall be complied with, otherwise not.”
I have two requests; I'll tell you the first now, and the second only if you agree to the first.
Clarissa conditions her second request on Belford's compliance with the first.
“I see not why I may not oblige her, upon her honour, and under the restrictions, and for the reasons she has given; and this without breach of the confidence due to friendly communication”
I see no reason not to help her, given her honor and restrictions, without betraying our friendship.
Belford justifies his decision to comply with Clarissa's request.