Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 522: Miss Howe, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Miss Howe writes to John Belford, expressing her deep obligation for his efforts and her grief over Clarissa's death.
What happens
Miss Howe writes to John Belford, expressing her deep obligation for his efforts and her grief over Clarissa's death. She comments on the fates of Lovelace's accomplices, supports Belford's attempt to dissuade Colonel Morden from seeking revenge, and reflects on the wickedness of Lovelace and his associates. She also praises Morden's generosity to Dolly Hervey and laments that he did not arrive in time to save Clarissa.
Themes in this chapter
Libertinism and Morality
Anna condemns Lovelace's profligacy and the moral decay of his accomplices, emphasizing the consequences of libertine behavior.
Friendship and Loyalty
Anna's grief for Clarissa and her loyalty to her friend's memory, as well as her support for Belford and Morden.
Characters to notice
- Anna Howe
Writes to Belford, expressing grief and obligation, and reflecting on the wickedness of Lovelace and his accomplices.
- John Belford
Praised by Anna for his efforts and for trying to dissuade Colonel Morden from revenge.
- Colonel Morden
Anna comments on his reasons for resentment and his generosity to Miss Dolly Hervey.
- Robert Lovelace
Referred to as the 'infernal man' and 'monster'; Anna condemns his letter and his cursing of others.
- Dolly Hervey
Mentioned as the recipient of Colonel Morden's generosity.
Key passages
“I little thought I ever could have owed so much obligation to any man as you have laid me under.”
I never imagined I could be so indebted to any man as I am to you.
Anna expresses her gratitude to Belford.
“It may be presumed, from the exits you mention of two of the infernal man’s accomplices, that the thunderbolt will not stop short of the principal.”
Given the deaths of two of that wicked man's accomplices, it seems likely that the punishment will not spare the main culprit.
Anna suggests that Lovelace will face divine or poetic justice.
“But what a letter is that of the infernal man’s! I cannot observe upon it.”
That wicked man's letter is so shocking that I cannot comment on it.
Anna is overwhelmed by Lovelace's letter.
“If your reformation be sincere, you will not be offended that I do not except you on this occasion.”
If you are truly reformed, you won't take offense that I include you in my criticism.
Anna challenges Belford to prove his sincerity.
“But see what a guilty commerce with the devils of your sex will bring those to whose morals ye have ruined!”
See what a corrupt association with wicked men does to the women whose morals you have destroyed.
Anna blames men for corrupting women.