Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 292: Mr. Mowbray, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Mowbray writes to Lovelace with urgent news that Clarissa Harlowe has escaped. He describes the chaotic scene among the women, who are weeping and accusing each other, while Belford calmly documents the events. Mowbray suggests the escape may be for the best, as Lovelace would not have married her, and jokes about Lord M.'s death as a consolation.
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
The chaotic aftermath of Clarissa's escape reveals the hidden schemes and false appearances maintained by Lovelace's associates.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Recipient of the letter; Mowbray addresses him directly and suggests he would not have married Clarissa.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Reported to have escaped; Mowbray calls her a 'foolish little devill' and notes she left with Lovelace's marks.
- John Belford
Described as calm and methodical, taking minutes of the examinations like a justice.
- Thomas Belton
Present with Mowbray, joining in damning the women and condoling with Lovelace.
- Richard Mowbray
Author of the letter; expresses frustration and dark humor about the situation.
Key passages
“Miss Harlowe is gone off!—Quite gone, by soul!”
Clarissa has escaped completely.
Mowbray announces Clarissa's departure with dramatic emphasis.
“If Lord M. will die now, to comfort thee for this loss, what a seasonable exit would he make!”
If Lord M. were to die now, it would conveniently console you for losing Clarissa.
Mowbray jokes callously about Lord M.'s death as a consolation for Lovelace.
