# Letter 460: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Belford describes Clarissa's serene state after receiving Communion, her reading of a letter from Mrs. Norton, and her preparations for death. She gives Belford her will and sealed letters, and discusses a letter from Colonel Morden, who is working toward a family reconciliation. Clarissa declines to hasten Morden's visit, and Belford writes to Morden urging him to come quickly.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

Clarissa's serene preparation for death and her reflection on her 'deep error' highlight her spiritual redemption through suffering.

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Colonel Morden's efforts toward reconciliation and Clarissa's reflections on her brother's and sister's unkindness underscore family tensions.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Serene after Communion, reads Mrs. Norton's letter with emotion, prepares her will and sealed letters for Belford, discusses Colonel Morden's letter, and declines to hasten his visit.

### John Belford

Observes Clarissa's composure, receives her will and sealed letters, reads Colonel Morden's letter to her, and writes to Morden urging him to come quickly.

### Mrs. Norton

Her letter to Clarissa is read after Communion, causing Clarissa to weep and sigh.

### Colonel Morden

His letter to Clarissa is read; he is working toward family reconciliation and plans to visit, but Clarissa does not wish to hasten him.

### Mrs. Lovick

Present with Clarissa, reports her gentle exclamations while reading Mrs. Norton's letter.

### Mrs. Smith

Present with Clarissa during the scene, along with Mrs. Lovick.

## Key lines

> What a deep error is mine! — What evils have I been the occasion of!

Clarissa laments her own mistake and the suffering it has caused.

_Reflects her remorse and acceptance of responsibility._

> I don't think I am dying yet—not actually dying, Mrs. Lovick—for I have no bodily pain—no numbnesses; no signs of immediate death, I think.

Clarissa expresses that she does not feel she is immediately dying, as she has no physical pain.

_Shows her calm and rational assessment of her condition._

> And so, my friends, said she, have I heard of a patient who actually died, while five or six principal physicians were in a consultation, and not agreed upon what name to give his distemper.

Clarissa compares her situation to a patient who died while doctors debated his diagnosis.

_Highlights her ironic detachment and foreshadows her death._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-460-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters