Clarissa · Chapter
Endnotes explained
This chapter consists of editorial endnotes that clarify, cross-reference, and defend the narrative of Clarissa.
What happens
This chapter consists of editorial endnotes that clarify, cross-reference, and defend the narrative of Clarissa. It addresses criticisms of Lovelace's character, explains Clarissa's cautious behavior, and provides scriptural, historical, and textual annotations to support the moral and dramatic intentions of the work.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa's vigilance and strict adherence to moral rules are defended as necessary given Lovelace's character; she is presented as an example.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace's apparent generosity to Rosebud is revealed as part of a calculated pattern of atonement and manipulation, not genuine virtue.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace's contrivances drive the family 'as puppets danced by his wires' through his agent Leman.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Defended as an exemplary figure whose vigilance and strict adherence to virtue are justified by Lovelace's designs.
- Robert Lovelace
His character is analyzed; his generosity to Rosebud is contextualized as part of a pattern of atonement and manipulation.
- John Belford
Referenced as the recipient of Lovelace's letters and as Clarissa's chosen executor.
- Joseph Leman
Described as Lovelace's corrupted agent who unknowingly helps drive the family's actions.
- Anna Howe
Mentioned in relation to Clarissa's letters and the Ivy Summerhouse.
- Mrs. Norton
Referenced in a note about Clarissa's letter to her regarding her turn of mind.
Key passages
“Love, pride, and revenge as he owns in Letter 31 were ingredients of equal force in his composition; and that resistance was a stimulus to him.”
Lovelace's actions are driven by love, pride, and revenge, and opposition only intensifies his pursuit.
Explains Lovelace's motivation and why his generosity to Rosebud does not contradict his villainy.
“The woman who resents not initiatory freedoms, must be lost. Love is an encroacher: loves never goes backward. Nothing but the highest act of love can satisfy an indulged love.”
A woman who does not resist initial liberties is doomed, because love only advances and demands more.
Justifies Clarissa's strictness as necessary self-protection against Lovelace's encroachments.
“As I make it my rule, whenever I have committed a very capital enormity, to do some good by way of atonement; and as I believe I am a pretty deal indebted on that score; I intend to join an hundred pounds to Johnny's aunt's hundred pounds, to make one innocent couple happy.”
Lovelace's pattern is to offset his worst crimes with acts of charity, like funding a poor couple's marriage.
Reveals the calculated, self-serving nature of his generosity, undermining any notion of true virtue.