# Letter 440: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Belford writes to Lovelace about Belton's funeral and his efforts to provide for Belton's sister. He then recounts visiting Clarissa, who is gravely ill and near death. She reveals that a letter from her sister was cruel, and she interprets a letter from Lovelace as having a religious meaning, referring to Heaven as her father's house. She begs Belford to ensure Lovelace does not disturb her remaining time, and Belford promises to intervene. Belford is deeply moved by her piety and sees her as a beatified spirit.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

Clarissa's suffering is near its end, and she focuses on spiritual redemption, interpreting events through a religious lens and seeking peace.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Belford shows loyalty to Clarissa by promising to protect her from Lovelace, and to Belton by settling his affairs and providing for his sister.

## Character check-ins

### John Belford

Writes to Lovelace about Belton's funeral and his visit to Clarissa, whom he finds near death. He promises to keep Lovelace from disturbing her.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Gravely ill and near death, she interprets Lovelace's letter as having a religious meaning and expresses fear of being disturbed by him. She asks Belford to intervene.

### Robert Lovelace

The recipient of Belford's letter; Clarissa fears he will molest her again, and Belford urges him to stay away.

### Thomas Belton

Recently deceased; Belford attended his funeral and is settling his affairs, including providing for his sister.

### James Tourville

Attended Belton's funeral and behaved decently.

## Key lines

> Read but for my father's house , Heaven, said she, and for the interposition of my dear blessed friend, suppose the mediation of my Saviour (which I humbly rely upon); and all the rest of the letter will be accounted for.

Clarissa explains that Lovelace's letter has a hidden religious meaning: 'father's house' means Heaven, and the 'dear blessed friend' represents Christ's mediation.

_Clarissa reveals her pious reinterpretation of Lovelace's letter, showing her spiritual focus._

> If you have any influence over him, Mr. Belford, prevail upon him that he will give me the assurance that the short remainder of my time shall be all my own.

Clarissa asks Belford to use his influence to make Lovelace promise not to disturb her during her final days.

_Clarissa's plea for peace in her last days, fearing Lovelace's interference._

## Links

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