# Letter 532: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace writes from Paris to Belford, sharing a letter from Joseph Leman who is guilt-ridden over his role in Clarissa's tragedy and warns that Colonel Morden has set out to duel Lovelace. Lovelace expresses impatience and defiance, refusing to be threatened, and asks Belford for honest information about Morden's intentions.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

Joseph Leman is consumed by guilt and remorse over his role in Clarissa's tragedy, unable to rest day or night.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace manipulated Joseph Leman into serving him by making him believe serving Lovelace served both parties in the long run.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Writes from Paris, defiant and impatient, refusing to be threatened by Morden.

### John Belford

Recipient of the letter; Lovelace asks him for honest information about Morden's intentions.

### Joseph Leman

Writes to Lovelace, guilt-ridden and warning that Colonel Morden has set out to duel Lovelace.

### Colonel Morden

Reported by Joseph Leman to have set out with a resolution to duel Lovelace.

### Richard Mowbray

Sent a letter to Lovelace with a hint about Morden's intentions.

## Key lines

> That he cannot rest either day or night for the mischiefs which he fears he has been, or may still further be the means of doing.

Joseph Leman is tormented by guilt, unable to sleep because of the harm he believes he has caused or may yet cause.

_Joseph Leman's guilt over his involvement in Clarissa's tragedy._

> I cannot get off my regrets on account of this dear lady for the blood of me.

Lovelace cannot shake his remorse over Clarissa no matter how hard he tries.

_Lovelace's persistent regret for his treatment of Clarissa._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-532-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters