Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 423: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford, defending his style of governing servants and criticizing Belford's 'humanity' as mere constitutional phlegm.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford, defending his style of governing servants and criticizing Belford's 'humanity' as mere constitutional phlegm. He theorizes that Clarissa's change in temper may be due to pregnancy, and he anticipates her eventual favor. He also mentions Belton's continued illness and his own impending visit to Lord M.'s, expressing his determination to have Clarissa.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace asserts his authority over servants through looks and nods, and manipulates Belford's perception of his own humanity.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace accuses Belford of hypocrisy in his humanity, while he himself speculates falsely about Clarissa's pregnancy to explain her behavior.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes to Belford, defending his authority over servants and speculating on Clarissa's condition.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; criticized by Lovelace for his 'creeping style' with servants.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Lovelace speculates she may be pregnant and that this explains her change in temper.
- Richard Mowbray
Mentioned as a varlet who is sorry Lovelace is near being happy with Clarissa.
- Thomas Belton
Reported to be still ill, with no hopes of recovery.
- Lord M.
Lovelace plans to visit him tomorrow night.
Key passages
“I verily believe, laying all circumstances together, that the dear creature unexpectedly finds herself in the way I have so ardently wished her to be in; and that this makes her, at last, incline to favour me, that she may set the better face upon her gestation, when at her father’s.”
Lovelace suspects Clarissa is pregnant, which he thinks explains her recent kindness toward him, as she would want to appear respectable when returning to her family.
Lovelace's false hope about Clarissa's condition reveals his continued self-deception.
“The art of governing these underbred varlets lies more in the dignity of looks than in words; and thou art a sorry fellow, to think humanity consists in acting by thy servants, as men must act who are not able to pay them their wages.”
Lovelace argues that true mastery over servants comes from commanding presence, not from the kind of leniency Belford mistakes for humanity.
Lovelace defends his authoritarian style and criticizes Belford's approach as weak.