Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 528: Mr. Belford, to Lord M. explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Belford reports to Lord M. his conversation with Colonel Morden, who requests Belford to serve as his executor, citing Clarissa's example. Morden hints at his ongoing struggle with the desire for vengeance against Lovelace, though Clarissa's dying requests have so far restrained him. He departs for the country, leaving his will with Belford. The letter concludes with mention of subsequent correspondence between Miss Howe and Belford regarding Clarissa's will and papers.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Belford's acceptance of Morden's request to serve as executor demonstrates loyalty to Clarissa's memory and to Morden.
Suffering and Redemption
Morden's struggle with vengeance and his restraint due to Clarissa's dying requests highlight themes of suffering and potential redemption.
Characters to notice
- John Belford
Reports to Lord M. his conversation with Colonel Morden and agrees to serve as Morden's executor.
- Colonel Morden
Requests Belford to be his executor, praises Clarissa's example, and indicates he has not yet resolved whether to pursue vengeance against Lovelace.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Her will and dying requests continue to influence Morden and Belford; her example is cited as a model for Morden's own will.
- Robert Lovelace
Mentioned as the object of Morden's potential vengeance, though Clarissa's requests have so far restrained Morden.
- Anna Howe
Engages in correspondence with Belford regarding the disposition of Clarissa's papers and will.
Key passages
“He flattered himself, he said, from my present happy turn, and from my good constitution, that I should live a great many years. It was therefore his request, that I would consent to be his executor; since it was impossible for him to make a better choice, or pursue a better example, than his cousin had set.”
Colonel Morden expressed his hope that Belford would live long due to his reformed character and health, and asked him to be his executor, citing Clarissa as the perfect model.
Morden's request underscores his high regard for Belford's integrity and his desire to emulate Clarissa's virtuous example.
“I have told you what force my cousin’s repeated requests have with me. Hitherto they have withheld me—But let us quit this subject.”
Morden acknowledges that Clarissa's entreaties have so far prevented him from seeking revenge, but he remains unresolved.
This reveals Morden's internal conflict between honoring Clarissa's wishes and his own sense of justice.