Language In Clarissa, Evelina And Pride And Prejudice

have found her less than an angel, it is impossible to
think of any other" (L31 147). His sexual objective is
couched euphemistically in the high-flown language of
lawyers and businessmen: "Matrimonial or equal
intimaciesr' smacks of the cold, calculating language of a
contract.
Lovelace's goal at the beginning of the novel is to
marry well in order to retain his family title. Because
he concentrates on marriage settlement and the legal
issues of marriage to the right woman, he is able to
override the bad feelings he generates in the Harlowe
family. There is uproar at Harlowe Place when he
arrives, which Aunt Hervey overlooks because he is such a
good estate manager and he is so rich, so handsome and so
charming (L4, 48, 50). Because his wealth and station
whitewash his less than stellar reputation, Lovelace is
able to ingratiate himself everywhere and anywhere,
including Harlowe Place. He sets his sights on Clarissa,
and had James not intervened when he did, Clarissa might
well have become Lady Lovelace with the full blessing of
her family. Even Clarissa understands Lovelace's
formidable powers: "Mr. Lovelace is not a man to be
easily brought to give up his purposerr (L4 51).