# Letter 389: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa writes to John Belford, thanking him for his communications and acknowledging Lovelace's premeditated baseness. She declares she has weighed all possibilities and finds more satisfaction in the prospect of death than in any reconciliation with Lovelace. She then makes a bold request: that Belford act as the protector of her memory and executor of her will, using his materials to do her character justice, and that he consult Anna Howe as needed.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

Clarissa finds solace in the hope of death as an end to her sufferings, viewing it as a release and a path to peace.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Clarissa notes that Lovelace's accounts are 'decent' in narration but conceal a vile heart, highlighting the gap between appearance and truth.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Clarissa values Anna Howe's friendship above all worldly considerations and entrusts Belford with her memory, showing deep reliance on loyal allies.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Expresses gratitude to Belford, reflects on Lovelace's baseness, and requests Belford to be her executor and protector of her memory.

### John Belford

Addressed by Clarissa; she thanks him for his communications and asks him to undertake the role of executor and defender of her character.

### Robert Lovelace

Indirectly referenced as the 'unhappy man' whose premeditated baseness and inhumanity are condemned by Clarissa.

### Anna Howe

Mentioned as the dearest friend whose friendship Clarissa values, and whom Belford should consult in executing her requests.

## Key lines

> I have more satisfaction in the hope that, in one month, there will be an end of all with me, than in the most agreeable things that could happen from an alliance with Mr. Lovelace, although I were to be assured he would make the best and tenderest of husbands.

Clarissa says she would rather die within a month than marry Lovelace, even if he were the kindest husband.

_Clarissa expresses her preference for death over any future with Lovelace._

> I shall not be apprehensive of involving anyone in my troubles or hazards by this task, either with my own relations, or with your friend; having dispositions to make which perhaps my own friends will not be so well pleased with as it were to be wished they would be.

Clarissa assures Belford that her will and requests will not cause trouble for him or others, though her family may not approve of her decisions.

_Clarissa anticipates family disapproval but remains resolute in her plans._

## Links

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