Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 330: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace, in a panic, writes to Belford after learning that Mrs.
What happens
Lovelace, in a panic, writes to Belford after learning that Mrs. Sinclair and Sally Martin have had Clarissa arrested for debt. He insists he had no part in the scheme and begs Belford to free her immediately, clear his name, and provide her with money and belongings.
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
- Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's unjust arrest deepens her suffering, while Lovelace's frantic plea suggests a desire for redemption.
- Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace fears the arrest will appear to be his own contrivance, highlighting the gap between appearance and truth.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes in frantic distress, disavowing the arrest plot and pleading for Belford's help.
- John Belford
Urgently summoned to free Clarissa and act as Lovelace's intermediary.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Arrested for debt by Mrs. Sinclair's agents; Lovelace insists she is innocent and must be freed.
- Mrs. Sinclair
The 'cursed woman' who orchestrated Clarissa's arrest, to Lovelace's fury.
- Sally Martin
Sent an exulting letter to Lovelace about finding and arresting Clarissa.
Key passages
“All undone, undone, by Jupiter!—Zounds, Jack, what shall I do now! a curse upon all my plots and contrivances!”
Everything is ruined! I don't know what to do, and I curse all my scheming.
Lovelace's opening exclamation of despair and self-blame.
“Set her free the moment you see her: without conditioning, free!—On your knees, for me, beg her pardon”
Release her immediately, with no conditions, and beg her forgiveness on your knees on my behalf.
Lovelace's urgent command to Belford to free Clarissa and apologize.
