Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 512: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace demands back his previous letter, admitting he wrote it under a gloomy impulse and now regrets its miserable tone.
What happens
Lovelace demands back his previous letter, admitting he wrote it under a gloomy impulse and now regrets its miserable tone. He reflects on his mental breakdown, his recovery under Dr. Hale's harsh treatments, and his determination to overcome his grief over Clarissa's death. He asks Belford to continue writing, especially about the remorse of Clarissa's family, and insists he will regain his former spirit and gaiety.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Lovelace describes his mental breakdown and recovery, hinting at potential repentance but ultimately rejecting it in favor of returning to his former self.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace admits his previous letter reflected his true mind at the time, but he now disavows it, showing the conflict between inner turmoil and outward persona.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes to Belford demanding his last letter back, describing his mental turmoil and recovery, and expressing determination to overcome his grief.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; Lovelace asks him to return the previous letter and to continue writing, especially about Clarissa's family.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Referred to as 'this admirable woman' and 'my heart's beloved'; her death is a source of Lovelace's grief and disappointment.
- Lord M.
Mentioned in Lovelace's reference to 'Lord M.'s style' regarding wits going a-woolgathering.
- Miss Charlotte Montague
Mentioned as having transcribed Lovelace's previous letter without his knowledge.
Key passages
“I write to demand back again my last letter. I own it was my mind at the different times I wrote it; and, whatever ailed me, I could not help writing it.”
Lovelace asks for the return of his previous letter, admitting it expressed his true feelings at the time, driven by an uncontrollable impulse.
Lovelace's opening demand and confession of his mental state.
“Why , why did my mother bring me up to bear no control ? Why was I so enabled, as that to my very tutors it was a request that I should not know what contradiction or disappointment was ?”
Lovelace laments that his upbringing, which shielded him from any restraint or disappointment, has left him unable to cope with loss.
Lovelace reflects on the roots of his character and his inability to handle disappointment.
“How my heart sickens at looking back upon what I was! Denied the sun, and all comfort: all my visitors lowborn, tiptoe attendants...”
Lovelace recalls with disgust the period of his mental illness, when he was confined, treated harshly, and isolated from comfort.
Vivid description of his treatment during his breakdown.
“I must , I will , I have already , overcome these fruitless gloominess. Every hour my constitution rises stronger and stronger to befriend me...”
Lovelace asserts his determination to shake off his melancholy and regain his former vitality and spirit.
Lovelace's resolve to recover and return to his old self.