Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 428: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to the Rev. Dr. Lewen explained
Clarissa responds to Dr.
What happens
Clarissa responds to Dr. Lewen's letter, explaining why she did not pursue legal action against Lovelace. She argues that public shame, the risk of a pardon, and the danger of escalating family feuds would have made prosecution futile. Instead, she emphasizes her forgiveness of Lovelace, her spiritual preparation for death, and her hope that her story will serve as a warning to others.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa frames her suffering as a path to spiritual happiness, emphasizing forgiveness and preparation for death.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa contrasts the public perception of her elopement with the private truth of her violated will and moral integrity.
Class and Social Reputation
Clarissa argues that public shame and social reputation would have undermined any legal case against Lovelace.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes to Dr. Lewen, defending her decision not to prosecute Lovelace and expressing her forgiveness and spiritual readiness.
- Dr. Lewen
Addressee of the letter; Clarissa acknowledges his affectionate letter and his role as her former spiritual guide.
- Robert Lovelace
Discussed as the man who injured Clarissa; she notes his offered marriage, penitence, and the impossibility of a successful prosecution.
- Anna Howe
Mentioned as being solicitous to preserve Clarissa's letters and materials to set the story in a true light.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Referenced as part of the family whose inveteracy against Lovelace would have been heightened by a trial.
- Colonel Morden
Mentioned as a family member whose safety might be compromised by escalating resentments.
Key passages
“I was to be unhappy—in order to be happy; that is my hope!”
My unhappiness is meant to lead to eventual happiness, which is my hope.
Clarissa expresses her belief that her suffering serves a redemptive purpose.
“The injury I have received from him is indeed of the highest nature, and it was attended with circumstances of unmanly baseness and premeditation; yet, I bless God, it has not tainted my mind; it has not hurt my morals.”
Though Lovelace's injury was severe and premeditated, I thank God that my mind and morals remain untainted.
Clarissa asserts her moral integrity despite the violation.
“I have, through grace, triumphed over the deepest machinations. I have escaped from him. I have renounced him.”
By divine grace, I have overcome his schemes, fled from him, and rejected him.
Clarissa claims spiritual victory over Lovelace's plots.
“The warning that may be given from those papers to all such young creatures as may have known or heard of me, may be of more efficacy to the end wished for, than my appearance could have been in a court of justice.”
My story, as told in these letters, may serve as a more effective warning to young women than any court case could.
Clarissa believes her written account will have greater moral impact than a trial.