Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 510: Miss Montague, to John Belford, Esq. M. Hall explained
Miss Montague writes to John Belford on behalf of Lord M., Lady Sarah, and Lady Betty, informing him that Lovelace was preparing for a foreign tour before his letter arrived, and they will hasten his departure.
What happens
Miss Montague writes to John Belford on behalf of Lord M., Lady Sarah, and Lady Betty, informing him that Lovelace was preparing for a foreign tour before his letter arrived, and they will hasten his departure. They express deep sorrow over Clarissa's death and her kind remembrance of them. The narrative then summarizes the aftermath: the Harlowe family decides to follow Clarissa's will literally, Belford corresponds with Miss Howe, sharing letters and legacies, and Clarissa's posthumous letter to Lovelace is included, urging him to repent and reform.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's posthumous letter emphasizes repentance and forgiveness, offering Lovelace a path to redemption through suffering and reflection.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace's 'golden dream' and hardened insensibility are contrasted with the reality of his guilt and the need for genuine reform.
Friendship and Loyalty
Belford's steady correspondence with Miss Howe and Hickman demonstrates loyalty to Clarissa's memory and the bonds of friendship.
Characters to notice
- Miss Charlotte Montague
Writes to Belford on behalf of Lord M., Lady Sarah, and Lady Betty, conveying their grief and plans to hasten Lovelace's foreign tour.
- John Belford
Receives Miss Montague's letter and corresponds with Miss Howe, sharing letters and legacies; acts as executor of Clarissa's will.
- Robert Lovelace
Preparing for a foreign tour; receives Clarissa's posthumous letter urging repentance; is recovering from illness.
- Anna Howe
Corresponds with Belford, expresses grief and anger, requests to purchase Clarissa's jewels, and receives copies of letters.
- Mr. Hickman
Corresponds with Belford, responds with equanimity to Lovelace's levity, and embraces Belford's friendship.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Her death is mourned; her will is being executed; her posthumous letter to Lovelace calls for his repentance and forgiveness.
Key passages
“My Lord having the gout in his right hand, his Lordship, and Lady Sarah, and Lady Betty, have commanded me to inform you, that, before your letter came, Mr. Lovelace was preparing for a foreign tour.”
Lord M. is suffering from gout in his right hand, so he and the ladies have asked me to tell you that Lovelace was already planning to travel abroad before your letter arrived.
Miss Montague conveys the family's response to Belford's letter.
“I told you, in the letter I wrote to you on Tuesday last, that you should have another sent you when I had got into my father's house. I presume to say, that I am now, at your receiving of this, arrived there; and I invite you to follow me, as soon as you are prepared for so great a journey.”
As I promised in my last letter, I am now writing to you from my father's house—meaning I have died—and I urge you to follow me when you are ready for death.
Clarissa's posthumous letter uses allegory to speak of her death and call Lovelace to repentance.
“The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment.”
The success of evil people is brief, and the happiness of those who pretend to be good lasts only a short time.
Clarissa quotes scripture to warn Lovelace of the fleeting nature of his wicked pleasures.
