Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 291: To Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Patrick McDonald writes to Lovelace informing him that Clarissa has escaped from Mrs.
What happens
Patrick McDonald writes to Lovelace informing him that Clarissa has escaped from Mrs. Sinclair's brothel. He describes the chaos and consternation at the house, with the waiting-maid missing and the household in disarray.
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
- Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
McDonald's plan to pretend he came from a journey to deceive Clarissa is thwarted by her actual escape, revealing the failure of Lovelace's schemes.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Recipient of the letter; the escape is reported to him.
- Clarissa Harlowe
The lady who has gone off, causing the consternation.
- Mrs. Sinclair
Mistress of the house where Clarissa was held; involved in the high words.
- Dorcas Wykes
Servant involved in the high words and confusion.
- John Belford
One of the gentlemen sent for after the escape.
Key passages
“The lady is gone off! She was missed but half an hour before I came.”
Clarissa has escaped, and they only realized it shortly before my arrival.
McDonald reports the shocking news of Clarissa's flight.
“High words are passing between Madam Sinclair, and Madam Horton, and Madam Martin; as also with Dorcas.”
There is a heated argument among the women of the house, including Sinclair, Horton, Martin, and the servant Dorcas.
The escape causes internal conflict and blame-shifting among the brothel's inhabitants.
