Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 412: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace expresses his determination not to lose Clarissa, praising her forgiving and generous nature.
What happens
Lovelace expresses his determination not to lose Clarissa, praising her forgiving and generous nature. He requests updates on her health and activities, declaring his love and resolve to make her his own, despite her current refusal.
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 determination to possess Clarissa despite her wishes, and his plan to use illness to elicit her care, exemplifies manipulative control.
- Suffering and Redemption
Lovelace's sickness of love and Clarissa's prayer for mercy highlight themes of suffering and the possibility of redemption through her generosity.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes to Belford, expressing his unwavering determination to win Clarissa and his admiration for her generosity.
- John Belford
Recipient of Lovelace's letter; Lovelace thanks him for his sober conclusion and asks for particulars about Clarissa.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Described as a forgiving angel whose prayers for Lovelace move him deeply; Lovelace is determined to make her his.
- Anna Howe
Mentioned as the source of a transcription about Clarissa's words, relayed to Charlotte Montague.
- Miss Charlotte Montague
Mentioned as the recipient of Miss Howe's transcription about Clarissa.
Key passages
“But dost think I will lose such an angel, such a forgiving angel, as this?—By my soul, I will not!”
Do you imagine I would let go of such a forgiving angel? I swear I will not.
Lovelace's emphatic refusal to give up Clarissa.
“I am sick only of love!”
My sickness is solely caused by love.
Lovelace attributes his illness to his passion for Clarissa.
“But bid her hate me, and have me: and my behaviour to her shall soon turn that hate to love!”
Tell her to hate me and still marry me; my conduct will quickly change her hatred into love.
Lovelace's confidence that he can win Clarissa's affection even if she initially despises him.
