Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 242: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford from Mrs.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford from Mrs. Moore's, frustrated by the delay of Captain Tomlinson's arrival. He learns from Mrs. Bevis that Clarissa considered leaving but was dissuaded by Miss Rawlins and Mrs. Moore. Tomlinson finally arrives, but Clarissa postpones their meeting until four o'clock. Lovelace vents his impatience and reflects on Clarissa's low spirits and distrust of men.
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
- Power and Manipulation
Lovelace schemes to control Clarissa's movements and uses Tomlinson as a tool.
- Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace feigns concern while plotting; Tomlinson's role is a pretense.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Narrator; expresses frustration over Tomlinson's delay and Clarissa's resistance.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Keeps to her room, is low-spirited, and postpones meeting with Tomlinson.
- Captain Tomlinson
Arrives after a delay; is annoyed at being made to wait.
- Mrs. Bevis
Reports to Lovelace that Clarissa considered leaving Mrs. Moore's.
- Miss Rawlins
Dissuaded Clarissa from attempting to leave Mrs. Moore's.
Key passages
“What briars and thorns does the wretch rush into (a scratched face and tattered garments the unavoidable consequence) who will needs be for striking out a new path through overgrown underwood; quitting that beaten out for him by those who have travelled the same road before him!”
Lovelace reflects that those who deviate from conventional paths suffer inevitable consequences.
Lovelace muses on the perils of his own unconventional schemes.
“The sex love busy scenes. Still life is their aversion. A woman will create a storm, rather than be without one.”
Lovelace claims women prefer turmoil and will stir up trouble to avoid boredom.
Lovelace's cynical generalization about women's nature.
