Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 515: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford, reflecting on the death of 'Captain Tomlinson' (McDonald) and his own moral culpability.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford, reflecting on the death of 'Captain Tomlinson' (McDonald) and his own moral culpability. He defends his actions by comparing himself to princes and conquerors, arguing that Clarissa's death was not a natural consequence of his rape. He recounts a debate with Lord M. and the Misses Montague, where he sophistically tries to acquit himself of murder.
Themes in this chapter
Libertinism and Morality
Lovelace's sophistical defense of his rape and dismissal of Clarissa's death as her own fault exemplifies libertine rationalization.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace praises 'Captain Tomlinson' as a skilled deceiver, and his own argument twists reality to avoid guilt.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace manipulates his family's opinions and attempts to control the narrative of Clarissa's death.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes to Belford, defending his actions and rationalizing Clarissa's death.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; Lovelace comments on Belford's 'dismal and horrible' themes.
- Captain Tomlinson
Reported dead; Lovelace expresses regret but dismisses his own responsibility.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Referred to as 'the fair inimitable' and 'the ever-dear Miss Harlowe'; her death is central to Lovelace's rationalizations.
- Lord M.
Debates with Lovelace about legal and moral responsibility for Clarissa's death.
- Miss Charlotte Montague
Interrupts Lovelace's case, arguing that theft of honour is worse than murder.
Key passages
“Fate, I believe, in my conscience, spins threads for tragedies, on purpose for thee to weave with.”
I think fate creates tragic events just so you can write about them.
Lovelace accuses Belford of dwelling on tragic subjects.
“I have not the art of the least artful of any of our Christian princes; who every day are guilty of ten times worse breaches of faith; and yet, issuing out a manifesto, they wipe their mouths, and go on from infraction to infraction, from robbery to robbery; commit devastation upon devastation; and destroy—for their glory!”
I lack the cunning of Christian princes who commit far worse crimes yet are praised as conquerors.
Lovelace compares his own actions to the hypocrisy of rulers.
“Is death the natural consequence of a rape?—Did you ever hear, my Lord, or did you, Ladies, that it was?—And if not the natural consequence, and a lady will destroy herself, whether by a lingering death, as of grief; or by the dagger, as Lucretia did; is there more than one fault the man's?—Is not the other hers?”
Death is not a natural result of rape; if a woman chooses to die, that is her own fault, not the man's.
Lovelace attempts to shift blame for Clarissa's death onto her.