# Letter 418: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace arrives at Mrs. Smith's house seeking Clarissa, but she has fled to avoid him. He searches the premises, speaks with Mrs. Lovick and Mrs. Smith, and learns of Clarissa's declining health and her fear of him. Mrs. Lovick shows him a meditation Clarissa wrote, comparing Lovelace to a violent enemy. Lovelace is chagrined but persists in his desire to see her, even visiting a chapel in hopes of finding her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

Clarissa's meditation and her physical decline highlight her suffering, while Lovelace expresses a desire to 'repair her wrongs,' touching on themes of repentance and redemption.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace's polite demeanor and promises of respect contrast with his past violence and his ongoing pursuit, revealing the gap between his words and his true intentions.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Arrives at Smith's house seeking Clarissa, searches the premises, and is disappointed to find she has fled. He reads Clarissa's meditation and is affected by it, but remains determined to see her.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Absent from the house; she fled early in the morning to avoid Lovelace. She is described as very weak and fearful, having written a meditation comparing Lovelace to an enemy of her soul.

### Mrs. Lovick

A widow gentlewoman lodging in the same house; she speaks with Lovelace, defends Clarissa, and shows him Clarissa's meditation. She weeps for Clarissa's suffering.

### Mrs. Smith

The shopkeeper at the house; she confirms Clarissa's departure and weeps with Mrs. Lovick over Clarissa's condition.

### John Belford

The recipient of Lovelace's letter; Lovelace mentions Belford's good opinion of Mrs. Lovick and sends him a copy of Clarissa's meditation.

## Key lines

> Curse upon my stars!—Disappointed again!

Lovelace curses his bad luck at being thwarted once more.

_Expresses Lovelace's frustration at not finding Clarissa._

> I will not touch the hem of her garment, without her leave.

Lovelace promises not to touch Clarissa unless she permits it.

_Shows Lovelace's attempt to appear respectful and non-threatening._

> I am like a pelican of the wilderness. I am like an owl of the desert. I watch; and am as a sparrow alone upon the housetop.

Clarissa compares herself to solitary, desolate birds, emphasizing her loneliness and suffering.

_From Clarissa's meditation, illustrating her sense of isolation._

> Why will you not, Sir, why will you not, let her die in peace? ’tis all she wishes for.

Mrs. Lovick pleads with Lovelace to stop pursuing Clarissa and allow her to die peacefully.

_Highlights the severity of Clarissa's condition and the compassion of those around her._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-418-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq
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