Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 497: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
In a distraught and vengeful letter, Lovelace insists on having Clarissa's body opened and embalmed, claiming her heart and papers as his own.
What happens
In a distraught and vengeful letter, Lovelace insists on having Clarissa's body opened and embalmed, claiming her heart and papers as his own. He declares himself her husband, rejects any interference from Belford or Morden, and threatens the Harlowe family. His tone oscillates between grief, rage, and madness, as he plans to control her legacy and posthumously possess her.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace attempts to exert control over Clarissa even in death, demanding her heart and papers, and overriding her will.
Suffering and Redemption
Lovelace's guilt and torment over his treatment of Clarissa manifest in his frantic, self-condemning language, hinting at a desire for redemption through possession of her remains.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes in a frenzied state, demanding Clarissa's heart and papers, asserting his rights as her husband, and threatening vengeance.
- John Belford
Addressee of the letter; Lovelace forbids him from interfering with Clarissa's will or remains.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Deceased; Lovelace obsessively claims her heart, body, and papers, referring to her as 'Clarissa Lovelace'.
- Colonel Morden
Lovelace warns him not to intermeddle, recalling past threats.
- Lord M.
Mentioned as having been sent for to control Lovelace, who resents his arrival.
Key passages
“I will have possession of her dear heart this very night; and let Tomkins provide a proper receptacle and spirits, till I can get a golden one made for it.”
Lovelace insists on taking Clarissa's heart immediately, ordering a container with preservative spirits until a golden case is made.
Demonstrates Lovelace's obsessive desire to possess Clarissa posthumously.
“I am grown choleric and impatient, and will not be controlled.”
Lovelace admits he is irritable and refuses to be managed by anyone.
Highlights his volatile mental state and defiance.
“I have been a most execrable villain. And when I consider all my actions to the angel of a woman... I can pronounce d⸺n—n upon myself.”
Lovelace condemns himself as a terrible villain for his treatment of Clarissa, feeling damned.
Shows his guilt and self-loathing.