Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 433: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Mrs. Judith Norton explained
Clarissa writes to Mrs.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Mrs. Norton, reflecting on her aunt's conversation and the rigour she has suffered from her family. She acknowledges her mother and aunt's admission that they were forced to act against their inclinations, but feels it is too late for comfort. She expresses gratitude to her aunt Hervey, cousin Dolly, and Mrs. Williams for their kindness, and affirms her continued love of virtue. She worries about Colonel Morden's intention to see Lovelace, and is distressed by her sister's taunting letter and Mr. Brand's scandal. She defends Mr. Belford's visits and requests prayers for patience and resignation.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her continued love of virtue and insists she never made a wilful deviation, defending her moral integrity despite her family's harsh treatment.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa reflects on how her mother and aunt were forced to oppose her against their own inclinations, illustrating the conflict between familial duty and personal conscience.
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa speaks of her preparation for death and her hope for patience and resignation, framing her suffering as a spiritual trial.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes to Mrs. Norton, reflecting on family rigour, her love of virtue, and her declining hope.
- Mrs. Judith Norton
Recipient of the letter; Clarissa responds to her account of a conversation with Clarissa's aunt.
- Mrs. Harlowe
Mentioned as having joined against Clarissa contrary to her own inclinations.
- Colonel Morden
Clarissa is sorry he has resolved to see Mr. Lovelace, causing her apprehension.
- Arabella Harlowe
Sent a taunting letter to Clarissa, which Clarissa finds needlessly and ludicrously taunting.
- John Belford
His visits are mentioned as a possible source of scandal; Clarissa defends them.
Key passages
“I continued to love virtue to my last hour, as I presume to hope it may be said; and assure them that I never made the least wilful deviation, however unhappy I became for one faulty step; which nevertheless was not owing to unworthy or perverse motives.”
I remained devoted to virtue until the end, and I never intentionally strayed from it, even though my unhappiness came from a single mistake that was not driven by base or stubborn intentions.
Clarissa defends her moral character and explains that her downfall was not due to any deliberate wrongdoing.
“I am very sorry that my cousin Morden has taken a resolution to see Mr. Lovelace. My apprehensions on this intelligence are a great abatement to the pleasure I have in knowing that he still loves me.”
I am deeply troubled that my cousin Morden has decided to meet Mr. Lovelace; this fear greatly diminishes the joy I feel from knowing he still cares for me.
Clarissa expresses anxiety about Colonel Morden's plan to confront Lovelace, fearing the consequences.