Mr. John Harlowe – Clarissa’s
uncle, whom she was very close with at the beginning of the novel. The relationship, like that with the other
members of her family, changes for Clarissa when she refuses to marry the man
(Mr. Solmes) her parents desire her to marry.
Beloved – Lovelace uses words of
endearment in his conversation with Captain Tomlinson. The purpose may be twofold – Lovelace
actually feels that strongly about Clarissa, but he also is aware that she is
listening.
Belford – Belford is a close friend to Lovelace. Through Lovelace’s letters to Belford, the
reader learns of Lovelace’s plots and actions against Clarissa. Belford often stands up in defense of
Clarissa, trying to act as a sort of moral consciousness for Lovelace. This particular piece is an interjection in
the middle of Lovelace’s story, reminding the reader that the story is part of
a letter to Belford. The interjection
also serves to add to the falseness of Lovelace’s character.
Consent – The ideas of consent,
permission, and force are key throughout the text. Large and complicated issues surround the ideas, especially
regarding Clarissa’s flight with Lovelace.
The Harlowe family believes Clarissa consented to run away with
Lovelace, despite Clarissa’s repeated protests.
Sister Harlowe – Sister in law
(Clarissa’s mother)
Profoundly – Lovelace continues to
dramatize and use theatrical undertones to create a more dramatic sequence of
events.
Salvo – safeguard, means of
preserving her honor
Man and wife – Aware that Clarissa is listening, Lovelace refuses
to answer Captain Tomlinson’s question directly. Instead, Lovelace plays off of Clarissa’s sentiment, reminding
her of her uncle’s fondness for her.
Friend – Anna Howe, Clarissa’s
friend and confidant
I hope she is – Lovelace never
defines his relationship with Clarissa to Tomlinson, an act that greatly
infuriates Clarissa. Lovelace allows
Tomlinson to form his own impressions about the nature of their relationship.
Play – Venice Preserved, or a
Plot Discovered by Thomas Otway (refer to Letter 194). It is extremely ironic that Lovelace takes
Clarissa to see this play, as he himself is currently working several intricate
plots. The reason for the excursion is layered: the escapade allows the women
in the house to have access to Clarissa’s personal letters, Lovelace wishes to
be seen in public with Clarissa, and Lovelace hopes to win favor with Clarissa
by treating her well.
The girl – one of the women of the
house, Lovelace’s “relations” whom are women of promiscuity that he is paying
to play along with his illusion.
Observed they do – The house is
actually a brother, a fact that Clarissa does not yet know. The statement is ironic, as the women of the
house who appear so genteel should be considered sinful.
Aver – to declare positively. Lovelace knows the game he played with
Tomlinson by not giving a definite answer to the question of whether or not
Lovelace and Clarissa were married.
* These are Richardson’s
footnotes, included in the original text.