Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 243: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace recounts a tense meeting at Hampstead with Clarissa, Captain Tomlinson, and the ladies of the house.
What happens
Lovelace recounts a tense meeting at Hampstead with Clarissa, Captain Tomlinson, and the ladies of the house. Clarissa confronts Lovelace about his disguises and insults, declaring her resolve to break with him despite the prospects of reconciliation. Captain Tomlinson attempts to mediate, but Clarissa remains firm, and the meeting ends with Tomlinson departing, leaving Lovelace anxious about the outcome of his schemes.
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
- Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her autonomy by rejecting Lovelace's authority and refusing to be swayed by the prospect of reconciliation, emphasizing her own judgment and honor.
- Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace's disguises and lies are exposed by Clarissa, highlighting the gap between his charming facade and his manipulative actions.
- Power and Manipulation
Lovelace's schemes to control Clarissa through deception and the presence of Captain Tomlinson as a tool of manipulation are central to the chapter.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Narrates the letter; expresses anxiety about his plots and defends his actions to Clarissa and Captain Tomlinson.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Confronts Lovelace with dignity, accuses him of deceit and insult, and declares her determination to break with him.
- Captain Tomlinson
Acts as mediator, attempts to reconcile Clarissa and Lovelace, but ultimately leaves when Clarissa remains resolute.
- Mrs. Moore
Present in the parlour during the confrontation; offers brief commentary.
- Miss Rawlins
Present in the parlour; shows approval of Captain Tomlinson's delicacy.
- Mrs. Bevis
Present in the parlour; makes a coarse remark about marriage.
Key passages
“I have been a very faulty, a very foolish man; and, if this dear creature ever honoured me with her love, an ungrateful one.”
Lovelace admits to Captain Tomlinson that he has acted badly and foolishly, and if Clarissa ever loved him, he has been ungrateful.
Lovelace's self-justification and attempt to appear remorseful.
“Too high, Sir!—Too high to the man that might have been happy if he would! Too high to the man that has held my soul in suspense an hundred times, since (by artifice and deceit) he obtained a power over me!”
Clarissa insists her resentment is justified toward a man who could have been happy but instead used deceit to gain power over her and kept her in constant anxiety.
Clarissa's forceful rejection of Lovelace's manipulation.
“She had thrown herself into her chair: her eyes cast down: she was motionless, as in a profound study.”
Clarissa sat down, looking down and completely still, as if lost in deep thought.
Clarissa's silent defiance after Captain Tomlinson's departure.
