# Letter 395: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace, enraged by Clarissa's refusal as conveyed in her letter to his cousin Charlotte, vents his fury to Belford. He accuses Clarissa of being a true Harlowe, criticizes Belford's reformist talk and his plan to share Lovelace's letters with Clarissa, and describes his strained relations with Lord M.'s family. He resolves to write one more letter to Clarissa and threatens violent action if she continues to evade him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace attempts to control the narrative and manipulate Belford, while expressing frustration at his inability to dominate Clarissa.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace accuses Clarissa of hypocrisy and misjudgment, while his own threats and posturing reveal the gap between his self-image and reality.

### Suffering and Redemption

Lovelace mocks Belford's talk of Clarissa's dying and redemption, yet his own torment and obsession suggest a perverse form of suffering.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Furious and humiliated by Clarissa's rejection; accuses her of being a true Harlowe and despises her for her pride and obstinacy.

### John Belford

Lovelace rebukes him for his reformist sympathies and for agreeing to transcribe private letters to Clarissa.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Described by Lovelace as proud, obstinate, and unforgiving; her letter to Charlotte Montague has provoked his rage.

### Miss Charlotte Montague

Lovelace's cousin; her letter to Clarissa prompted the reply that has angered Lovelace.

### Lord M.

Lovelace mentions the household is broken into factions; he lords it in the state part of the house while the family avoids him.

## Key lines

> She had need indeed to cry out for mercy for herself from her friends, who knows not how to show any! She is a true daughter of the Harlowes!

Clarissa begs for mercy from her family, yet she herself shows none; she is just as stubborn as the rest of the Harlowes.

_Lovelace expresses his anger at Clarissa's refusal, attributing it to her family's character._

> I charge thee, and woe be to thee if it be too late! that thou do not oblige her with a line of mine.

I forbid you, on pain of my wrath, to give her any of my letters.

_Lovelace threatens Belford for planning to share his private correspondence with Clarissa._

> If she get out of my way, I will do some noble mischief to the vixen girl whom she most loves, and then quit the kingdom forever.

If she escapes me, I will harm the woman she cares for most and then leave the country for good.

_Lovelace threatens violent revenge against Clarissa's friend if he cannot reach Clarissa._

## Links

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