Letter 412: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Power and Manipulation

  Lovelace's determination to possess Clarissa despite her wishes, and his plan to use illness to elicit her care, exemplifies manipulative control.

• Suffering and Redemption

  Lovelace's sickness of love and Clarissa's prayer for mercy highlight themes of suffering and the possibility of redemption through her generosity.

Characters to notice

• Robert Lovelace

  Writes to Belford, expressing his unwavering determination to win Clarissa and his admiration for her generosity.

• John Belford

  Recipient of Lovelace's letter; Lovelace thanks him for his sober conclusion and asks for particulars about Clarissa.

• Clarissa Harlowe

  Described as a forgiving angel whose prayers for Lovelace move him deeply; Lovelace is determined to make her his.

• Anna Howe

  Mentioned as the source of a transcription about Clarissa's words, relayed to Charlotte Montague.

• Miss Charlotte Montague

  Mentioned as the recipient of Miss Howe's transcription about Clarissa.

Key passages

• “But dost think I will lose such an angel, such a forgiving angel, as this?—By my soul, I will not!”

  Do you imagine I would let go of such a forgiving angel? I swear I will not.

  Lovelace's emphatic refusal to give up Clarissa.

• “I am sick only of love!”

  My sickness is solely caused by love.

  Lovelace attributes his illness to his passion for Clarissa.

• “But bid her hate me, and have me: and my behaviour to her shall soon turn that hate to love!”

  Tell her to hate me and still marry me; my conduct will quickly change her hatred into love.

  Lovelace's confidence that he can win Clarissa's affection even if she initially despises him.