# Letter 449: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace responds angrily to Belford's letters, accusing Clarissa of deceit in her final letter and interpreting her pious intentions as a trick. He mocks Belford's spiritual aspirations with a satirical comparison to a monument, but grows serious upon hearing of Clarissa's declining health. He resolves to stay at Doleman's in Uxbridge to be within reach, and instructs Belford to send news indirectly if the worst occurs. He also approves of Belford's generosity to Belton's sister and arranges for the legacies.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace accuses Clarissa of deceiving him with her letter, while he himself has used stratagems; the theme of mutual deception and interpretation of motives is central.

### Suffering and Redemption

Lovelace mocks Belford's aspirations for redemption but grows serious about Clarissa's suffering and possible death, hinting at his own conflicted feelings.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Writes angrily to Belford, accusing Clarissa of deception and mocking Belford's piety, but shows concern for Clarissa's health and plans to stay near Uxbridge.

### John Belford

Recipient of the letter; Lovelace criticizes his spiritual aspirations and sarcastically compares him to a monument figure, but also approves his generosity to Belton's sister.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Lovelace accuses her of deceit in her letter and interprets her piety as a trick, though he acknowledges her angelic nature and expresses concern for her health.

### Lord M.

Mentioned as seeing deceit in Clarissa's letter, though Lovelace's cousins defend her.

### Thomas Belton

Mentioned as 'poor Belton'; Lovelace approves Belford's generosity to his sister and arranges for legacies.

## Key lines

> She ought never to be forgiven. She, a meek person, and a penitent, and innocent, and pious, and I know not what, who can deceive with a foot in the grave!

Lovelace insists Clarissa should not be forgiven because, despite her meek and pious reputation, she deceived him even while near death.

_Highlights Lovelace's anger and his perception of Clarissa's hypocrisy._

> I insist upon it, that if a woman of her character, at such a critical time, is to be justified in such a deception, a man in full health and vigour of body and mind, as I am, may be excused for all his stratagems and attempts against her.

Lovelace argues that if Clarissa's deception is excused, then his own schemes against her are also justified.

_Reveals Lovelace's self-justification and his view of moral equivalence._

> But now, to be serious once more, let me tell you, Belford, that, if the lady be really so ill as you write she is, it will become you ... to be a little less pointed and sarcastic in your reflections.

Lovelace warns Belford to be less sarcastic if Clarissa is truly as ill as reported, showing his underlying concern.

_Indicates Lovelace's shift from mockery to genuine worry about Clarissa's condition._

## Links

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