Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 403: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to John Harlowe, Esq. explained
Clarissa writes to her uncle John Harlowe, pleading for a last blessing to die in peace, but is rebuffed with harsh words from her sister and uncle.
What happens
Clarissa writes to her uncle John Harlowe, pleading for a last blessing to die in peace, but is rebuffed with harsh words from her sister and uncle. She expresses deep contrition and insists she does not seek to be received back, only a final benediction. Denied, she resigns herself to relying solely on God's mercy.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's deep contrition and plea for a blessing before death highlight her quest for spiritual redemption amidst familial rejection.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa's attempt to reconcile with her family through a humble request contrasts with their harsh refusal, illustrating the tension between duty and rebellion.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes a humble letter begging for a last blessing, expressing deep penitence and resignation to death.
- Mr. John Harlowe
Addressed as 'Honoured Sir'; Clarissa references his upbraiding pen and cruel question.
- Arabella Harlowe
Mentioned as Clarissa's 'severe sister' who misconstrues her motives.
Key passages
“It was an act of charity I begged: only for a last blessing, that I might die in peace.”
I asked only for a charitable act—a final blessing so I could die peacefully.
Clarissa frames her request as a simple, merciful act.
“I could not look forward to my last scene with comfort, without seeking, at least, to obtain the blessing I petitioned for; and that with a contrition so deep, that I deserved not, were it known, to be turned over from the tender nature of a mother, to the upbraiding pen of an uncle!”
I could not face death comfortably without asking for that blessing, and I did so with such profound remorse that I did not deserve to be dismissed from a mother's tenderness to an uncle's reproachful letter.
Clarissa contrasts her mother's expected tenderness with her uncle's harsh response.
“I am not either a hardened or shameless creature: if I were, I should not have been so solicitous to obtain the favour I sued for.”
I am neither unfeeling nor without shame; if I were, I would not have been so eager to ask for this favor.
Clarissa defends her character against implied accusations.
“I asked it as well for my father and mother’s sake, as for my own; for I am sure they at least will be uneasy, after I am gone, that they refused it to me.”
I asked for the blessing as much for my parents' peace of mind as for my own, because I know they will regret refusing it after I die.
Clarissa shows concern for her parents' future remorse.
“Denied in such a manner, I will not presume again to ask it: relying entirely on the Almighty’s; which is never denied, when supplicated for with such true penitence as I hope mine is.”
Since I have been refused so harshly, I will not dare to ask again; instead, I trust solely in God's mercy, which is never withheld from sincere repentance like mine.
Clarissa resigns herself to divine grace after human rejection.