Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 514: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Belford writes to Lovelace, expressing concern over his revoked letter and recounting the terrible deaths of Mrs.
What happens
Belford writes to Lovelace, expressing concern over his revoked letter and recounting the terrible deaths of Mrs. Sinclair and Tomlinson. He urges Lovelace to reform, shares his own plans for a virtuous life, and warns of divine retribution.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Belford describes the penitent deaths of Sinclair and Tomlinson, and outlines his own path to reform and atonement.
Friendship and Loyalty
Belford expresses his enduring love for Lovelace and his desire to see him reform, despite their past follies.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Tomlinson's imposture is revealed; Belford contrasts the false schemes of the past with his new commitment to honesty.
Characters to notice
- John Belford
Writes to Lovelace, describes his own reform and plans for a virtuous life.
- Robert Lovelace
Recipient of the letter; Belford urges him to reform and warns him of retribution.
- Mrs. Sinclair
Her terrible death is recounted as a warning to Lovelace.
- Captain Tomlinson
Dying in Maidstone gaol after a smuggling incident; penitent for his role in the imposture against Clarissa.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Her exemplary life and happy death are held up as a model; Belford plans to read her papers.
- Colonel Morden
Sent affecting letters about the Harlowe family's grief and compunction.
Key passages
“I am really concerned and disappointed that your first was so soon followed by one so contrary to it.”
Belford is upset that Lovelace's initial hopeful letter was quickly contradicted by a worse one.
Belford expresses his emotional reaction to Lovelace's inconsistency.
“Dost thou not tremble at the horrors the vilest of women labours with, on the apprehensions of death, and future judgment?”
Belford asks if Lovelace is not frightened by the dying woman's terror of death and judgment.
Belford uses Sinclair's death as a moral lesson.
“I have settled an annual sum for life upon poor John Loftus, whom I disabled while he was endeavouring to protect his young mistress from my lawless attempts.”
Belford has provided a lifelong pension to a man he injured during a past assault.
Belford describes his acts of restitution as part of his reform.