# Letter 470: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace responds to Belford's news of Clarissa's slight improvement with a mixture of desperate hope, self-reproach, and remorse. He expresses his anguish over her forgiveness and her confession of having loved him, and vows to reform if she recovers, offering a reward to the doctor and pleading for Belford to confirm the hopeful news.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

Lovelace's anguished repentance and desire for Clarissa's recovery highlight the theme of suffering leading to potential redemption.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace's self-condemnation for his 'contriving genius' and 'intriguing head' underscores the contrast between his deceptive past and his current professed sincerity.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Writes to Belford in a state of emotional turmoil, expressing hope for Clarissa's recovery, deep remorse for his actions, and a vow to become a devoted husband if she survives.

### John Belford

Addressed by Lovelace; praised for his efforts to arrange a meeting with Clarissa and for conveying her forgiving message.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Reported to be somewhat better; her forgiveness and declaration of love are recounted by Lovelace with profound guilt and admiration.

## Key lines

> And is she somewhat better?—Blessings upon thee without number or measure! Let her still be better and better!

Is she really improving? I bless you endlessly! May she continue to get better and better!

_Lovelace's desperate hope for Clarissa's recovery._

> What a dog, what a devil have I been to a goodness so superlative!

What a monstrous wretch I have been to such an extraordinary goodness!

_Lovelace's self-loathing for his mistreatment of Clarissa._

> Tell her, O tell her, Belford, that her prayers and wishes, her superlatively-generous prayers and wishes, shall not be vain: that I can, and do repent—and long have repented.

Please tell her, Belford, that her incredibly generous prayers and wishes will not be wasted: I am able to repent, and I do repent—and have done so for a long time.

_Lovelace's plea to convey his genuine repentance to Clarissa._

## Links

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