Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 250: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford in a state of agitation, recounting a narrow escape and his successful interception of a letter from Miss Howe to Clarissa, which he considers a critical gain in his manipulative campaign.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford in a state of agitation, recounting a narrow escape and his successful interception of a letter from Miss Howe to Clarissa, which he considers a critical gain in his manipulative campaign.
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 Rising action.
- 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's interception of Miss Howe's letter demonstrates his ongoing manipulation of Clarissa's correspondence and circumstances.
- Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace's joy at his 'escape' and acquisition of the letter underscores the deceptive games he plays, hiding his true intentions.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Narrates the letter, expressing terror and joy over his narrow escape and the acquisition of Miss Howe's letter.
- John Belford
The recipient of Lovelace's letter, addressed directly as 'Belford'.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Referred to as 'this perverse girl' who contends with her fate.
- Anna Howe
Her expected letter to Clarissa has been intercepted by Lovelace.
Key passages
“O Belford! what a hair’s-breadth escape have I had!—Such a one, that I tremble between terror and joy, at the thought of what might have happened, and did not.”
Belford, I barely avoided disaster—so narrowly that I'm shaking with both fear and relief at what almost occurred.
Lovelace's dramatic opening reveals his heightened emotional state after a close call.
“I have, within this half-hour, obtained possession of the expected letter from Miss Howe—and by such an accident!”
Just thirty minutes ago, I got hold of the letter from Miss Howe that I was waiting for—and it happened purely by chance.
Lovelace announces his successful interception of Anna Howe's letter to Clarissa, a key manipulative move.
