Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 240: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace intercepts a letter from Clarissa to Anna Howe and forges a reply to prevent Miss Howe from learning of Clarissa's distress.
What happens
Lovelace intercepts a letter from Clarissa to Anna Howe and forges a reply to prevent Miss Howe from learning of Clarissa's distress. He boasts of his deception and hints at further designs, possibly including Anna Howe herself.
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 forges Clarissa's handwriting and letter to deceive Miss Howe, highlighting the theme of appearance versus reality.
- Power and Manipulation
Lovelace exerts control over Clarissa's correspondence, demonstrating his manipulative power.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes to Belford, boasting of intercepting and forging Clarissa's letter to Miss Howe.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Her letter to Miss Howe is intercepted; she is described as having 'flutters, confusions, and apprehensions.'
- Anna Howe
The intended recipient of Clarissa's intercepted letter; Lovelace forges a reply to spare her concern.
- John Belford
The recipient of Lovelace's letter, addressed as 'Jack.'
- Mr. Hickman
Clarissa's letter to Miss Howe is directed under cover to Hickman.
Key passages
“The lady gave Will's sweetheart a letter last night to be carried to the post-house, as this morning, directed for Miss Howe, under cover to Hickman.”
Clarissa gave a letter to Will's girlfriend to mail to Miss Howe via Hickman.
Lovelace describes intercepting Clarissa's letter.
“I thought it would be but kind in me to save Miss Howe's concern on these alarming hints; since the curiosity of such a spirit must have been prodigiously excited by them.”
Lovelace claims he forged the letter to spare Miss Howe worry, but really to maintain control.
Lovelace justifies his forgery as kindness.
“All this pains for a single girl? Yes, Jack—But is not this girl a Clarissa?—And who knows, but kind fortune, as a reward for my perseverance, may toss me in her charming friend?”
Lovelace asks if all his effort is worth it for one girl, then suggests he might also pursue Anna Howe.
Lovelace hints at future designs on Anna Howe.
