# Letter 416: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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