Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 446: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Belford visits Clarissa, who is calm and serene.
What happens
Belford visits Clarissa, who is calm and serene. He reads parts of Lovelace's letters to her, finding much of it unworthy of her refined mind. Clarissa explains her allegorical letter was meant to convey warning and hope, not deception. She expresses concern that Lovelace might still molest her, given her short time left. She is pleased that the conference between Lovelace and Colonel Morden ended amicably. Belford shares Brand's vile letter, which Clarissa takes with surprising calmness, using it to excuse her family's implacability. She defends her friends and reflects on the importance of reputation and company. Later, she receives a kind letter from Colonel Morden, which brings her joy, but Belford laments that it is too late.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's calm acceptance of Brand's letter and her focus on spiritual preparation reflect her redemptive suffering.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa's allegorical letter and the misinterpretation by Lovelace highlight the theme of appearance versus reality.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Cheerful and serene; explains her allegorical letter; reads Brand's letter with calmness; defends her family; receives a kind letter from Colonel Morden.
- John Belford
Visits Clarissa, reads parts of Lovelace's letters, shares Brand's letter, and admires Clarissa's angelic nature.
- Robert Lovelace
His letters are read selectively; criticized for his frothy style; blamed for curtailing Clarissa's life.
- Colonel Morden
His conference with Lovelace ended amicably; writes a kind letter to Clarissa.
- Mr. Brand
His letter is read by Clarissa; she pities him and asks Belford not to take revenge.
Key passages
“She said, she meant only an innocent allegory, which might carry instruction and warning to you, when the meaning was taken, as well as answer her own hopes for the time.”
Clarissa explained that her letter was a harmless allegory intended to teach and warn Lovelace, while also serving her own immediate hopes.
Clarissa defends her allegorical letter as innocent and instructive.
“There was a time, said she, and that not long since, when such a letter as this would have greatly pained me. But I hope I have now go above all these things”
Clarissa said that such a letter would have once caused her great pain, but she now feels above such worldly concerns.
Clarissa's spiritual growth and detachment from earthly reputation.
“How many opportunities must thou have had of admiring her inestimable worth, yet couldst have thy senses so much absorbed in the woman , in her charming person, as to be blind to the angel , that shines out in such full glory in her mind!”
Belford laments that Lovelace had so many chances to appreciate Clarissa's true worth but was blinded by her physical beauty, missing the angelic quality of her mind.
Belford's admiration for Clarissa's inner virtue over her outward appearance.