Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 96: To Robert Lovelace, Esquier, His Honner explained
Joseph Leman writes to Lovelace, expressing his gratitude for Lovelace's bounty but also his anxiety about the intricate and risky commands he has been given.
What happens
Joseph Leman writes to Lovelace, expressing his gratitude for Lovelace's bounty but also his anxiety about the intricate and risky commands he has been given. He reassures Lovelace of his loyalty and honesty, while also hinting at his ambition for an inn and his concern for Clarissa's well-being. Leman reflects on his moral qualms and his perception of Lovelace's true character.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Leman grapples with the moral ambiguity of serving Lovelace against his duty, revealing the tension between outward honesty and the deceptive actions he is being led to perform.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace's manipulation of Leman through promises of protection, wages, and an inn demonstrates the power dynamics at play, as Leman is led 'from littel stepps to grate stepps.'
Characters to notice
- Joseph Leman
Writes to Lovelace, expressing both gratitude and anxiety about the commands he has received, while affirming his loyalty and honesty.
- Robert Lovelace
The recipient of Leman's letter, addressed with deference and described as having a 'fesseshious way' that confuses Leman.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Referred to as 'my dearest young lady,' Leman expresses his hope that she will not cause trouble and that Lovelace will be honorable and kind to her.
- Betty Barnes
Mentioned as Mrs. Betty, who Leman thinks looks above him but comes on well, though he could throw his hat at her if angered.
Key passages
“I must confesse I am infinitely obliged to your Honner’s bounty. But this last command!—It seems so intricket!”
I admit I am very grateful for your generosity, but this latest order seems so complicated.
Leman expresses his gratitude mixed with anxiety about the complexity of Lovelace's command.
“I love your Honner for contriveing to save mischiff so well. I thought till I know’d your Honner, that you was verry mischevous, and plese your Honner: but find it to be clene contrary.”
I admire you for planning to prevent trouble so effectively. Before I knew you, I thought you were very mischievous, but I now see the opposite is true.
Leman reveals his changed perception of Lovelace, believing him to be benevolent rather than harmful.
“Be pleased, howsomever, if it like your Honner, not to call me honest Joseph, and honnest Joseph, so often. For, althoff I think myself verry honnest, and all that, yet I am touched a littel, for fear I should not do the quite right thing.”
However, please do not call me 'honest Joseph' so often, because although I consider myself very honest, I am a little troubled that I might not be doing the right thing.
Leman's discomfort with being called honest highlights his internal conflict about his actions.