Volume III

In Volume III, we noticed that Clarissa and Lovelace both describe their letter writing practices as “scribbling.” In reference to Letter 105, Debra pointed out that Lovelace’s phrase, a “pair of scribbling lovers” could work as a “wonderful epigraph for the novel.” Rachel noted that not only are they both constantly writing letters, but that Clarissa and Lovelace also have similar rhetorical purposes for their writing: “for expression and correspondence, yes, but also for justification of their actions or reactions and for pleading their cases with a close friend and various family members.”

Clarissa also refers to her letter writing as “scribbling” in Letter 135 when she writes to Anna that she “would willingly, therefore, write to [Anna], if [she] might; the rather as it would be the more inspiriting to have some end in view in what [she writes]; some friend to please; besides merely seeking to gratify [her] passion for scribbling.” Several of us commented on Clarissa’s rhetorical purpose in the “scribbling” she does to Anna. Debra commented that though she must “write on,” she prefers to have a friend who is reading what she writes. Anna, her audience, gives her writing a sense of purpose and connection to someone she is missing. Keri commented that Anna is Clarissa’s “lifeline,” as she is Clarissa’s “window into the world outside her relationship with Lovelace.” Meghan added that Clarissa’s letters to Anna are the only means for her to still exercise some kind of control over her actions—actions increasingly determined by Lovelace.

We also discussed, in regard to Letter 106, how much Lovelace enjoys the aspect of performance in the letters he sends to Belford. In this letter, Lovelace complains of the presence of “confounded girls” in the church he attends, making a place where he should be able to attend with “good conscience” more of a place where “Satan [spreads] his snares for [Lovelace].” Debra saw this as a good example of Lovelace’s display of wit, and suggested Lovelace’s letters to Belford are the perfect opportunity for him to show off this skill. Steve questioned whether Lovelace ever really tells Belford his true feelings in his writing. If Lovelace uses his writing as a way to perform, how do we ever know when he is being truthful?