Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 533: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Belford writes to Lovelace, urging him to avoid a confrontation with Colonel Morden.
What happens
Belford writes to Lovelace, urging him to avoid a confrontation with Colonel Morden. He dismisses Joseph Leman's report of Morden's threats as unreliable, and explains that Morden is deeply affected but has not committed to revenge, being influenced by Clarissa's dying injunctions. Belford warns that seeking Morden would lead to tragedy, as Morden is a skilled and principled swordsman, and advises Lovelace to alter his travel plans to avoid meeting him.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Belford urges Lovelace to repent for past wrongs and avoid further violence, emphasizing the need for moral redemption.
Friendship and Loyalty
Belford writes out of love and concern for Lovelace, seeking to protect him from his own destructive impulses.
Characters to notice
- John Belford
Writes to Lovelace with urgent advice to avoid Colonel Morden, expressing concern for both men's safety and reminding Lovelace of his guilt.
- Robert Lovelace
The recipient of Belford's letter; Belford implores him to change his travel plans and not to seek out Colonel Morden.
- Colonel Morden
Described as deeply affected by Clarissa's death, but not committed to revenge; a skilled and principled swordsman whom Belford advises Lovelace to avoid.
- Joseph Leman
Mentioned as the source of unreliable reports about Morden's threats; Belford dismisses his words as those of a low-class fellow.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Her injunctions to both Belford and Morden are cited as having restrained Morden from seeking revenge.
Key passages
“I cannot think, my dear Lovelace, that Colonel Morden has either threatened you in those gross terms mentioned by the vile Joseph Leman, or intends to follow you.”
Belford doubts that Colonel Morden made the crude threats reported by Joseph Leman or plans to pursue Lovelace.
Belford dismisses Leman's report as unreliable and uncharacteristic of a gentleman like Morden.
“Time will subdue all things.”
With time, all conflicts and resentments will fade.
Belford appeals to the healing power of time to prevent a violent confrontation.
“It would be pity that so brave a man as the Colonel should drop, were you and he to meet: and, on the other hand, it would be dreadful that you should be sent to your account unprepared for it, and pursuing a fresh violence.”
It would be tragic if either the Colonel or Lovelace died in a duel, especially if Lovelace were to die unrepentant and guilty of further violence.
Belford highlights the moral and practical dangers of a duel between the two men.