Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 416: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace arrives in London, determined to see Clarissa despite her escape.
What happens
Lovelace arrives in London, determined to see Clarissa despite her escape. He visits Smith's, where he is told she has gone into the country. Frustrated, he returns to his lodgings, curses the brothel crew for the arrest and insolence, and refuses to see Sally or Polly. He orders his servant Will to spy on Clarissa's movements, hoping his announced departure will draw her back.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace consciously performs a cheerful, harmless demeanor to manipulate the Smiths and gain access to Clarissa, contrasting his true predatory intentions.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace orchestrates surveillance via Will, uses false announcements of departure to lure Clarissa, and attempts to control the narrative of his visit.
Libertinism and Morality
Lovelace's continued association with the brothel, his cursing of the crew, and his refusal to see Sally and Polly highlight his libertine lifestyle and moral conflicts.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Arrives in London, visits Smith's seeking Clarissa, and schemes to see her again.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Reported to have left Smith's early in the morning for the country; Lovelace is determined to find her.
- John Belford
Recipient of Lovelace's letter; mentioned as having visited a sick friend and written about Clarissa's illness.
- Sally Martin
Attempts to mimic Clarissa to gain Lovelace's attention; he rebukes her for the insult.
- Mrs. Sinclair
Lovelace curses her and the brothel crew for the arrest and mistreatment of Clarissa.
- Will
Lovelace's servant, ordered to disguise himself and spy on Clarissa's movements.
Key passages
“I dressed myself in a never-worn suit, which I had intended for one of my wedding-suits; and liked myself so well, that I began to think, with thee, that my outside was the best of me.”
Lovelace puts on a new suit meant for his wedding and feels pleased with his appearance, agreeing with Belford that his looks are his best quality.
Highlights Lovelace's vanity and superficial charm.
“I was Belforded all over. I could not bear such an insult upon the dear creature, (for I have a soft and generous nature in the main, whatever thou thinkest); and cursed her most devoutly, for taking my beloved's name in her mouth in such a way.”
Lovelace feels utterly disgusted when Sally mimics Clarissa, and he curses her for insulting his beloved, claiming he has a soft nature.
Reveals Lovelace's possessive and conflicted feelings toward Clarissa.
“I intend to regulate my motions by Will's intelligence; for see this dear creature I must and will.”
Lovelace plans to use his servant Will's spying to track Clarissa, determined to meet her no matter what.
Shows Lovelace's relentless pursuit and manipulative tactics.