Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 513: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford announcing his plans to leave England and travel through Paris, German courts, Vienna, Venice, Florence, and Turin.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford announcing his plans to leave England and travel through Paris, German courts, Vienna, Venice, Florence, and Turin. He warns Belford about the difficulty of maintaining his reformation and penitence, suggesting that strong habits and the devil will tempt him back to his old ways. Lovelace also expresses suspicion that Charlotte and Belford have been in league together, and he demands a copy of Clarissa's will.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Lovelace writes to Belford with warnings and plans, indicating a continued bond despite his own moral failings.
Suffering and Redemption
Lovelace discusses Belford's attempts at penitence and reformation, and the difficulty of overcoming sinful habits.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace boasts of never lying to men but hardly ever telling truth to women, highlighting his duplicitous nature.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes to Belford, announcing his travel plans and warning Belford about reformation.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; Lovelace warns him about the difficulty of maintaining penitence.
- Richard Mowbray
Mentioned as promising to accompany Lovelace in a month or two.
- James Tourville
Mentioned as promising to accompany Lovelace in a month or two.
- Miss Charlotte Montague
Lovelace suspects she and Belford have been in league together.
- Lord M.
Mentioned as having corresponded with Belford and Charlotte.
Key passages
“I am preparing to leave this kingdom.”
I am getting ready to depart from England.
Lovelace announces his imminent departure from the kingdom.
“I never lied to man, and hardly ever said truth to woman.”
I have never deceived a man, but I have rarely been honest with a woman.
Lovelace boasts of his duplicity, especially toward women.
“I am mad again, by Jupiter!—But, thank my stars, not gloomily so!”
I am once again furious, by Jupiter! But fortunately, not in a melancholy way.
Lovelace expresses his anger but notes it is not a dark or depressive madness.