Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 99: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford, boasting of his successful elopement with Clarissa.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford, boasting of his successful elopement with Clarissa. He describes her beauty and dress in detail, revels in his power over her, and debates whether to marry her or seduce her. He acknowledges his conflicting feelings of reverence and vengefulness, and resolves to proceed cautiously, keeping his options open.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace revels in his power over Clarissa, planning to 'proceed by the sap' and keep marriage as a fallback option.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace admits to hypocrisy and false reformation, and notes Clarissa's own 'roguish' deception in keeping her appointment.
Libertinism and Morality
Lovelace's libertine philosophy is on full display as he weighs seduction against marriage, rejecting 'shackles' and embracing his imperial will.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Narrates the letter, exulting in his triumph and debating his intentions toward Clarissa.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; Lovelace addresses him as a confidant and friend.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Described as Lovelace's 'goddess' and 'charmer'; her beauty and dress are vividly depicted, and she is the object of his schemes.
Key passages
“I never in my life beheld a skin so illustriously fair. The lily and the driven snow it is nonsense to talk of: her lawn and her laces one might indeed compare to those; but what a whited wall would a woman appear to be, who had a complexion which would justify such unnatural comparisons?”
Lovelace praises Clarissa's complexion as uniquely radiant, dismissing conventional comparisons as inadequate.
Highlights Lovelace's aesthetic admiration and objectification of Clarissa.
“I am taller by half a yard in my imagination than I was. I look down upon everybody now. Last night I was still more extravagant. I took off my hat, as I walked, to see if the lace were not scorched, supposing it had brushed down a star; and, before I put it on again, in mere wantonness and heart's ease, I was for buffeting the moon.”
Lovelace describes his inflated pride and joy after successfully eloping with Clarissa, using hyperbolic imagery.
Illustrates Lovelace's arrogance and sense of triumph.
“Little thinks she, that I have kept an account of both : and that, when my heart is soft, and all her own, I can but turn to my memoranda, and harden myself at once.”
Lovelace reveals he has recorded Clarissa's and her family's offenses to rekindle his vengeful resolve whenever he feels tender toward her.
Shows Lovelace's calculated manipulation and internal conflict.