Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 410: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford from Lord M.'s estate, describing his severe illness and low spirits.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford from Lord M.'s estate, describing his severe illness and low spirits. He recounts a visit from the parish priest and Lord M., during which he produces Clarissa's meditation and gains praise for his apparent reformation. He expresses frustration with Clarissa's refusal and his own physical weakness, while insisting he will soon return to London.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace feigns piety by reading Clarissa's meditation, gaining praise for reformation while remaining unchanged.
Suffering and Redemption
Lovelace's physical illness and mental anguish are portrayed, though his suffering lacks genuine repentance.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Lovelace is the letter writer, ill and irritable, reflecting on his condition and his obsession with Clarissa.
- John Belford
Belford is the recipient of the letter; Lovelace scolds him for his reflections and demands he burn his letters.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Clarissa is the object of Lovelace's thoughts; he calls her implacable and mentions her meditation.
- Lord M.
Lord M. visits Lovelace, brings the parish priest, and prays by his bedside.
- Mrs. Greme
Mrs. Greme is sent for to tend to Lovelace during his illness.
Key passages
“I don't know what a devil ails me; but I never was so much indisposed in my life.”
Lovelace is unusually ill and cannot explain why.
Opening line expressing his physical and mental distress.
“God be thanked, my Lord, said I in an ecstasy!—Where's Miss?—for I supposed they were going to marry me.”
Upon seeing the priest and Lord M. at his bedside, Lovelace jokingly thinks they are about to marry him to Clarissa.
Lovelace's irreverent humor even in illness.
“Thus, when a boy, have I joined with a crowd coming out of church, and have been thought to have been there myself.”
Lovelace compares his current deception to a childhood trick of blending in with churchgoers.
Reflection on his lifelong habit of appearing virtuous.