Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 349: Mr. Belford explained
Clarissa reveals her true identity to Mrs.
What happens
Clarissa reveals her true identity to Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Lovick, declaring she was never married and is Clarissa Harlowe. She recounts her formerly happy life, her family's wealth and love, and her current state of humiliation and penitence. Mr. Belford offers his services and financial aid, which she refuses. She declines a wedding-day dinner invitation and begins to narrate her story to the group.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her moral innocence and refuses financial aid, demonstrating her agency and adherence to virtue despite her fallen state.
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa frames her suffering as penitence and seeks spiritual redemption, hoping for her father's blessing before death.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Reveals her true identity and family background; expresses penitence and resignation to death.
- John Belford
Offers Clarissa his services and a bank note, which she refuses; transcribes her speech.
- Mrs. Lovick
Present during Clarissa's revelation; deeply affected by her speech.
- Mrs. Smith
Hosts the gathering on her wedding-day; invites Clarissa and Belford to dine.
Key passages
“I am not yet twenty years of age. I have an excellent mother, as well as father; a woman of family, and fine sense—worthy of a better child!—they both doted upon me.”
Clarissa states she is under twenty, describes her mother as a woman of good family and intelligence, and says her parents adored her.
Clarissa reveals her age and her parents' former affection for her.
“I was the joy of their hearts; and, with theirs and my father’s, I had three houses to call my own; for they used to have me with them by turns, and almost kindly to quarrel for me”
She was the delight of her family and had three homes where she was welcomed and even contested over by relatives.
Clarissa describes her privileged and beloved position before her downfall.
“My hopes, like opening buds or blossoms in an over-forward spring, have been nipped by a severe frost!—blighted by an eastern wind!”
Her expectations for happiness were destroyed prematurely, like young plants killed by a harsh frost or wind.
Clarissa uses a metaphor to express the sudden ruin of her prospects.