Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 470: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace responds to Belford's news of Clarissa's slight improvement with a mixture of desperate hope, self-reproach, and remorse.
What happens
Lovelace responds to Belford's news of Clarissa's slight improvement with a mixture of desperate hope, self-reproach, and remorse. He expresses his anguish over her forgiveness and her confession of having loved him, and vows to reform if she recovers, offering a reward to the doctor and pleading for Belford to confirm the hopeful news.
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 Falling 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
Lovelace's anguished repentance and desire for Clarissa's recovery highlight the theme of suffering leading to potential redemption.
- Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace's self-condemnation for his 'contriving genius' and 'intriguing head' underscores the contrast between his deceptive past and his current professed sincerity.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes to Belford in a state of emotional turmoil, expressing hope for Clarissa's recovery, deep remorse for his actions, and a vow to become a devoted husband if she survives.
- John Belford
Addressed by Lovelace; praised for his efforts to arrange a meeting with Clarissa and for conveying her forgiving message.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Reported to be somewhat better; her forgiveness and declaration of love are recounted by Lovelace with profound guilt and admiration.
Key passages
“And is she somewhat better?—Blessings upon thee without number or measure! Let her still be better and better!”
Is she really improving? I bless you endlessly! May she continue to get better and better!
Lovelace's desperate hope for Clarissa's recovery.
“What a dog, what a devil have I been to a goodness so superlative!”
What a monstrous wretch I have been to such an extraordinary goodness!
Lovelace's self-loathing for his mistreatment of Clarissa.
“Tell her, O tell her, Belford, that her prayers and wishes, her superlatively-generous prayers and wishes, shall not be vain: that I can, and do repent—and long have repented.”
Please tell her, Belford, that her incredibly generous prayers and wishes will not be wasted: I am able to repent, and I do repent—and have done so for a long time.
Lovelace's plea to convey his genuine repentance to Clarissa.
