How we cite our quotes: (Letter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
But it is a strange perverseness in human nature that we covet at a distance what when near we slight. (150.5)
Who says Anna and Clarissa don't understand lust? Here, Anna alludes to the fact that Clarissa might find Lovelace so attractive because she can't have it. If her family were shoving him in her face, he might lose some of that sexy sheen.
Quote #5
But having succeeded thus far, he cannot, he says, forbear trying, according to the resolution he had before made, whether he cannot go farther (157.1)
Occasionally, the letters in Clarissa get glossed over by an anonymous narrator who wants to keep the plot moving. (Like maybe he could have glossed over some of the other 1500 pages?) In this case, it seems like the most dastardly things Lovelace says aren't his direct speech. What do you think is going on?
Quote #6
And clasping her closer to me, I gave her a more fervent kiss than ever I had dared to give her before; but still let not my ardour overcome my discretion […]
Lovelace is having a hard time keeping it under control, but he seems to kind of like the challenge. Hm, do you think maybe he likes the game more than the player?