Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 254: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford, enclosing a marriage license he has obtained for himself and Clarissa.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford, enclosing a marriage license he has obtained for himself and Clarissa. He mocks the license's formal language and heraldic symbols, then launches into a satirical proposal for annual marriages, arguing that such a system would eliminate jealousy, adultery, and other vices while benefiting society. His tone is playful and libertine, revealing his reluctance to be permanently bound in marriage.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- 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
Lovelace's mockery of the marriage license and his proposal for annual marriages exemplify his libertine rejection of conventional moral and legal bonds.
- Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace obtains a license under false pretenses, acknowledging that his suggestions are not 'literally true,' and plans to use it deceptively.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes to Belford with a marriage license in hand, mocking its contents and proposing a fantastical scheme for annual marriages.
- John Belford
The recipient of Lovelace's letter, addressed familiarly as 'Jack'.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Named in the marriage license as the intended bride, though Lovelace's mockery suggests he does not intend to honor it sincerely.
Key passages
“Durst ever see a license, Jack?”
Have you ever seen a marriage license, Jack?
Lovelace opens with a rhetorical question, boasting about obtaining the license.
“Could a man do as the birds do, change every Valentine's day, ... there would be nothing at all in it.”
If a man could change partners annually like birds on Valentine's Day, marriage would be no burden.
Lovelace fantasizes about annual marriages to avoid lifelong commitment.
