Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 442: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Colonel Morden visits Lord M.
What happens
Colonel Morden visits Lord M. and Mr. Lovelace to discuss Clarissa's situation. Lovelace admits his unworthy behavior and expresses repentance, while Morden presses for justice and honorable treatment of Clarissa. Lord M. confirms the family's offers of mediation, and the conversation ends with a tentative understanding.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace admits to promising marriage without intending to perform, highlighting the gap between appearance and reality in his dealings with Clarissa.
Suffering and Redemption
Lovelace expresses repentance for his actions, and Morden seeks justice, reflecting themes of suffering and potential redemption.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Admits his unworthy behavior towards Clarissa and expresses repentance, but remains defensive.
- Colonel Morden
Visits to advocate for Clarissa, emphasizing her virtue and the need for justice.
- Lord M.
Supports Lovelace's claims and confirms the family's offers of mediation to Clarissa.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Referenced as the injured party; her virtue and refusal of offers are discussed.
Key passages
“Miss Clarissa Harlowe was entitled, Sir, to have the best usage that man could give her. I have no scruple to own it. I will always do her the justice she so well deserves.”
Lovelace admits that Clarissa deserved the best treatment and that he will always acknowledge her worth.
Lovelace's concession to Morden's criticism.
“I own to you then that I have acted very unworthily by Miss Clarissa Harlowe; and I’ll tell you farther, that I heartily repent of my ingratitude and baseness to her.”
Lovelace confesses to treating Clarissa badly and says he sincerely regrets his ingratitude and cruelty.
Lovelace's open admission of guilt and repentance.