Letter 216

captain- That is, the fictitious "Captain Tomlinson" that Lovelace has hired to trick Clarissa.

tears- Here Lovelace is not only implying that women are considered emotional, he is also suggesting that women can be manipulative with their "tears" and their "blushes."

James Harlowe- Clarissa's bitter and cruel brother who has convinced their family to disown Clarissa for running off with Lovelace. James has a deep hatred for Lovelace and fought him in a duel earlier in the novel.

reason- Here Lovelace explains his plan to pose as Clarissa's husband despite the fact that they are not married.

punctilio- point of honor, scruple

pacific- tending to lessen conflict

benignity- gentleness, kindness

prostration- weak or powerless condition

approbation- approval

angel- Lovelace often refers to Clarissa as an "angel." This can be interpreted to signify her religious and moral purity, her inaccessibility, and her beauty.

The Quarrelsome, The Polite Lovers- This refers to the instability and unpredictability of their relationship: one day they quarrel, the next they are excessively polite.

cavil- objections

Uncle Harlowe- Clarissa upset her uncle by leaving with the rake Lovelace. Captain Tomlinson offers her hope that her uncle still holds her in his favor. This prospect excites and delights her, and Lovelace secretly mocks her happiness because he knows that it is all a farce.

character- Here Lovelace admits his inconsistency in dealing with Belford, but also with Clarissa. He dismisses it as a part of the character of the "rake" (a dissolute man).

Miss Howe's virulence- Miss Howe is Clarissa's dear friend and confidant with whom she exchanges letters throughout the course of the novel . Miss Howe hates Lovelace for manipulating Clarissa and tries to take revenge on him and help Clarissa escape.

sensibility- Lovelace seems genuinely affected by Clarissa's outburst of emotion and tries to suppress it in favor of sensibility.