Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 426: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Belford writes to Lovelace about attending the opening of Belton's will and visiting Clarissa, who is gravely ill. He describes her piety, her preparations for death, and her gratitude to her doctors and Belford. Clarissa asks the doctors how long she has to live, and they estimate a fortnight or three weeks.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's physical decline and spiritual preparation for death exemplify suffering leading to redemption, as she seeks peace and forgiveness.
Friendship and Loyalty
Belford's loyalty to Clarissa as her executor and his concern for her well-being contrast with Lovelace's betrayal.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa suspects that a forged letter from her was used by Lovelace, highlighting the theme of deception.
Characters to notice
- John Belford
Writes to Lovelace about Belton's will and his visit to Clarissa, whom he finds very weak but spiritually composed.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Extremely ill, she attends church, receives the sacrament, and asks her doctors how long she has to live, showing serene acceptance of death.
- Robert Lovelace
Belford reports that Clarissa blames Lovelace for her decline and that his persecutions continue to harm her.
- Anna Howe
Sends a letter and packet to Clarissa, which she receives during Belford's visit.
- Mrs. Smith
Provides Belford with details of Clarissa's condition and reports that strangers have been inquiring after Clarissa.
- Mrs. Lovick
Supports Clarissa to church and is present during Belford's visit, weeping at Clarissa's condition.
Key passages
“Mrs. Smith, said he, you have an angel in your house.—I will attend her again in the evening, as she desires, and as often as I think it will be agreeable to her.”
The parson told Mrs. Smith that Clarissa was an angel and promised to visit her as often as she wished.
Highlights Clarissa's saintly reputation and the reverence she inspires.
“Her heart's broken: she'll die, said he: there is no saving her.”
The doctor declared that Clarissa's heart is broken and she cannot be saved.
Confirms the fatal prognosis and the emotional cause of her decline.
“I have always observed, that where a person relies upon Providence, it never fails to raise up a new friend for every old one that falls off.”
Clarissa says that trusting in God always brings new friends to replace those who abandon you.
Reflects her faith and gratitude for the kindness of her doctors and Belford.