Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 192: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Belford refuses to engage with Lovelace's depraved letter and instead recounts the story of their mutual friend Belton, who is dying and has been betrayed by his kept mistress Thomasine.
What happens
Belford refuses to engage with Lovelace's depraved letter and instead recounts the story of their mutual friend Belton, who is dying and has been betrayed by his kept mistress Thomasine. Belford uses Belton's case to reflect on the folly of libertinism, arguing that marriage is more honorable and secure than keeping a mistress, and that libertines often become dupes of the very women they exploit.
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
- Libertinism and Morality
Belford critiques the libertine lifestyle through Belton's downfall, arguing that marriage provides greater stability and moral integrity than keeping a mistress.
- Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Belton's mistress Thomasine appears devoted but has secretly betrayed him, highlighting the theme of deceptive appearances in relationships.
Characters to notice
- John Belford
Writes to Lovelace, refusing to reply to his last letter and instead reflecting on Belton's tragic situation and the moral lessons of libertinism.
- Robert Lovelace
Addressee of the letter; Belford condemns his behavior and uses Belton's story as a cautionary tale.
- Thomas Belton
Belford recounts Belton's visit, his illness, and his betrayal by his mistress Thomasine, who has embezzled his money and carried on an intrigue.
Key passages
“Not one word will I reply to such an abandoned wretch, as thou hast shown thyself to be in thine of last night.”
Belford refuses to respond to Lovelace's depraved letter.
Belford's moral condemnation of Lovelace's actions.
“A man must keep a woman, said the poor fellow to me, but not his estate!”
Belton laments that keeping a mistress costs him his fortune.
Belton's realization of the financial ruin caused by his mistress.
“We do well to value ourselves upon our liberty, or to speak more properly, upon the liberties we take.”
Libertines pride themselves on their freedom, but it is really just license.
Belford's ironic critique of libertine self-perception.
