Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 159: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford about his Sunday with Clarissa, including attending church together and his schemes to manipulate her.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford about his Sunday with Clarissa, including attending church together and his schemes to manipulate her. He describes his good behavior at church, his reflections on the sermon about David and Bathsheba, and his plans to have Clarissa attend a collation with his friends. He boasts of his control over the household and his confidence in soon achieving his aims.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Clarissa, desp…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace feigns piety and good behavior at church to manipulate Clarissa, while secretly plotting her ruin.
- Power and Manipulation
Lovelace boasts of his control over Clarissa, the household, and his schemes to achieve his goals.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Narrator; describes his church attendance, manipulation of Clarissa, and schemes with Belford and others.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Lovelace's 'charmer'; attends church with him, shows reluctance about new acquaintances, and is being manipulated.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; Lovelace addresses him directly and shares his plans.
- Miss Partington
Young lady introduced to Clarissa without her consent; part of Lovelace's scheme.
- Sally Martin
One of Mrs. Sinclair's nieces; praised by Clarissa for her views on marriage.
- Polly Horton
Another of Mrs. Sinclair's nieces; mentioned as part of the household.
Key passages
“The more perverse she, the more steady I—that is my rule.”
Lovelace states that Clarissa's resistance only strengthens his determination.
Reflects his manipulative and persistent nature.
“I have got her to own that she prayed for me. I hope a prayer from so excellent a mind will not be made in vain.”
Lovelace is pleased that Clarissa prayed for him, but his intentions remain duplicitous.
Highlights the irony of his false piety.
“Thou art the man! By my soul I thought the parson looked directly at me; and at that moment I cast my eye full on my ewe-lamb.”
Lovelace feels the sermon about David and Bathsheba is directed at him, and he looks at Clarissa as his 'ewe-lamb.'
Shows his self-awareness of his guilt yet lack of remorse.
