Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 421: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford in ecstasy after receiving a letter from Clarissa, who claims she is setting out for her father's house in hopes of reconciliation.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford in ecstasy after receiving a letter from Clarissa, who claims she is setting out for her father's house in hopes of reconciliation. He interprets her letter as a sign of forgiveness and plans to visit Lord M. to share the news. He also recounts a dream he interprets as prophetic of their happy future, though he dismisses its darker elements. The letter ends with Mowbray's arrival bearing news of Belton's declining health.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace misinterprets Clarissa's solemn letter as a sign of love and forgiveness, revealing his self-deception about her true intentions.
Suffering and Redemption
Lovelace frames Clarissa's distress as temporary evil leading to greater good, and anticipates her redemption through family reconciliation.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes in high spirits after receiving Clarissa's letter, interpreting it as a sign of reconciliation and planning to visit Lord M.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Sends a letter to Lovelace stating she is setting out for her father's house, hoping for reconciliation, and asks not to be disturbed.
- John Belford
Recipient of Lovelace's letter; Lovelace urges him to attend Clarissa and mentions Belford's preaching to the dying Belton.
- Colonel Morden
Lovelace credits Morden's mediation for Clarissa's change of heart, referencing her affection for him.
- Thomas Belton
Mentioned as dying and taking his fate heavily; Lovelace comments on his weakness and Mowbray's impatience with him.
Key passages
“All alive, dear Jack, and in ecstasy!—Likely to be once more a happy man! For I have received a letter from my beloved Miss Harlowe; in consequence, I suppose, of that which I mentioned in my last to be left for her from her sister.”
Lovelace is overjoyed because he has received a letter from Clarissa, which he believes is a response to a letter from her sister Arabella.
Lovelace's excitement is based on his assumption that Clarissa's letter signals reconciliation.
“I am setting out with all diligence for my father's house, I am bid to hope that he will receive his poor penitent with a goodness peculiar to himself; for I am overjoyed with the assurance of a thorough reconciliation, through the interposition of a dear, blessed friend, whom I always loved and honoured.”
Clarissa writes that she is hurrying to her father's house, hoping for a full reconciliation thanks to a beloved friend's intervention.
Clarissa's letter suggests she is seeking forgiveness from her family, but her tone is formal and reserved.
“I know to whose mediation all this is owing. It is to Colonel Morden’s. She always, as she says, loved and honoured him! And he loved her above all his relations.”
Lovelace believes Colonel Morden is responsible for Clarissa's change of heart, as she has always loved and respected him.
Lovelace credits Morden's influence for the apparent reconciliation.
“Dear charming creature! What a meeting will there be between her and her father and mother and uncles! What transports, what pleasure, will this happy, long-wished-for reconciliation give her dutiful heart!”
Lovelace imagines the joyful reunion between Clarissa and her family, believing it will bring her great happiness.
Lovelace projects his own hopes onto Clarissa's situation, ignoring potential deception.