Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 413: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Belford writes to Lovelace, rejoicing in his apparent moral improvement and health.
What happens
Belford writes to Lovelace, rejoicing in his apparent moral improvement and health. He recounts reading Lovelace's letter to Clarissa, who responds with pity and forgiveness, though she remains ill due to harsh letters from her family. Belford contrasts Clarissa's genuine penitence and virtue with the fictional 'Fair Penitent,' praising her piety and forgiveness. He also notes that Colonel Morden has arrived in England, and that Belton is near death, urging Lovelace not to disturb Clarissa.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's suffering from family cruelty and Lovelace's betrayal is framed as a path to genuine penitence and forgiveness, contrasting with fictional portrayals of despair.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Belford contrasts Clarissa's true virtue and penitence with the false, theatrical penitence of Calista in 'The Fair Penitent,' highlighting the theme of genuine versus feigned morality.
Characters to notice
- John Belford
Writes to Lovelace, expressing joy at his recovery and moral improvement, and recounts his conversation with Clarissa about Lovelace's letter.
- Robert Lovelace
Recipient of the letter; Belford notes his apparent penitence and urges him not to disturb Clarissa.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Ill from family letters, she responds to Lovelace's letter with pity and forgiveness, and is praised by Belford for her virtue and piety.
- Colonel Morden
Recently arrived in England; Clarissa wishes to see him, but Belford worries about potential conflicts with Lovelace.
- Thomas Belton
At death's door; Belford is called to his bedside and fears he may not be able to return soon.
Key passages
“But here is Miss Clarissa Harlowe , a virtuous, noble, wise, and pious young lady; who being ill used by her friends, and unhappily ensnared by a vile libertine, whom she believes to be a man of honour, is in a manner forced to throw herself upon his protection.”
Clarissa Harlowe is a virtuous and pious young woman who, mistreated by her family and deceived by a libertine she trusted, is compelled to seek his protection.
Belford summarizes Clarissa's tragic situation, emphasizing her virtue and the betrayal she suffered.
“She nobly, not franticly, resents: refuses to see or to marry the wretch; who, repenting his usage of so divine a creature, would fain move her to forgive his baseness, and make him her husband: and this, though persecuted by all her friends, and abandoned to the deepest distress”
Clarissa resents Lovelace with dignity, not madness, and refuses to marry him despite his repentance and her own dire circumstances.
Highlights Clarissa's composed and principled response to Lovelace's attempts at reconciliation.
“This is penitence! This is piety! And hence distress naturally arises, that must worthily effect every heart.”
True penitence and piety like Clarissa's create a genuine emotional impact on the audience.
Belford contrasts Clarissa's authentic repentance with the artificial distress in plays.