Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 398: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Lord M. and to the Ladies of His House explained
Clarissa writes to Lord M.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Lord M. and the ladies of his house, declining their offered quarterly bounty and expressing gratitude for their generosity. She urges them to forgive their kinsman (Lovelace) for his offenses against them, arguing that harsh treatment may only make him more desperate and that she hopes for his reformation after her death.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's suffering leads her to hope for Lovelace's reformation and forgiveness, emphasizing redemptive themes.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa's plea for Lovelace's forgiveness contrasts with her own family's harsh treatment, highlighting tensions between obligation and personal moral choice.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes to decline the quarterly bounty, expresses gratitude, and pleads for forgiveness toward Lovelace.
- Lord M.
Addressee of the letter; Clarissa urges him to forgive Lovelace.
- Miss Charlotte Montague
One of the ladies of Lord M.'s house; Clarissa addresses her and others in the letter.
- Miss Patty Montague
Another lady of the house; Clarissa includes her in her address.
- Robert Lovelace
Kinsman of Lord M.; Clarissa asks for his forgiveness and expresses hope for his reformation.
Key passages
“Excuse me, my good Lord, and my ever-honoured Ladies, from accepting of your noble quarterly bounty; and allow me to return, with all grateful acknowledgement, and true humility, the enclosed earnest of your goodness to me.”
Please forgive me, my Lord and Ladies, for not accepting your generous quarterly gift; I return it with thanks and humility.
Clarissa politely declines the financial offer.
“But give me leave to express my concern that you have banished your kinsman from your presence and favour: since now, perhaps, he will be under less restraint than ever; and since I in particular, who had hoped by your influence to remain unmolested for the remainder of my days, may again be subjected to his persecutions.”
I am worried that by banishing your kinsman, he may become even less restrained, and I may again face his harassment.
Clarissa fears that Lovelace's banishment will lead to more trouble for her.
“I am not without hope that he will be properly affected by the evils he has made me suffer; and that, when I am laid low and forgotten, your whole honourable family will be enabled to rejoice in his reformation.”
I still hope that the harm he has caused me will lead him to change, and that after I am gone, your family can celebrate his reform.
Clarissa expresses hope for Lovelace's moral improvement after her death.