Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 401: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Clarissa writes to Lovelace under compulsion, stating that even if she lived many more years and there were no other man, she could never be his.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Lovelace under compulsion, stating that even if she lived many more years and there were no other man, she could never be his. She forgives him and wishes him well, expecting the promised relief from his harassment.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her moral autonomy by refusing Lovelace despite external pressure, grounding her decision in religious duty and personal integrity.
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa finds consolation in forgiving Lovelace and wishing him well, transforming her suffering into a redemptive act.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes to Lovelace under duress, asserting her firm refusal and offering forgiveness.
- Robert Lovelace
Addressee of the letter; Clarissa rejects his hope and demands the fruits of her compliance.
Key passages
“It is a cruel alternative to be either forced to see you, or to write to you.”
Being forced to choose between seeing you or writing to you is a harsh dilemma.
Clarissa expresses her resentment at being compelled to correspond.
“were I to live more years than perhaps I may weeks, and there were not another man in the world, I could not, I would not, be yours.”
Even if I lived many more years than the few weeks I might have left, and no other man existed, I could never and would never consent to be yours.
Clarissa's definitive rejection of Lovelace, emphasizing her unyielding resolve.
“Religion enjoins me not only to forgive injuries, but to return good for evil.”
My faith commands me to forgive wrongs and to repay evil with kindness.
Clarissa frames her forgiveness as a religious duty.
“I expect the fruits of it.”
I expect to receive the promised result of my compliance.
Clarissa demands that Lovelace fulfill his part of the bargain after she writes.