Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 448: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Wm. Morden, Esq. explained
Clarissa writes to her cousin Colonel Morden, congratulating him on his return and expressing gratitude that he has not been swayed by the false reports against her.
What happens
Clarissa writes to her cousin Colonel Morden, congratulating him on his return and expressing gratitude that he has not been swayed by the false reports against her. She defends her refusal to marry Lovelace, stating that to accept him would be to sanction his premeditated baseness and reward a violator. She insists her refusal is based on principle, not pride, and asks that no vengeance be sought against Lovelace after her death, fearing harm to her family.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her moral agency by refusing to marry Lovelace, prioritizing her virtue and principle over social or financial convenience.
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa frames her suffering as a path to moral elevation, forgiving Lovelace and seeking no vengeance, which she sees as setting her above him.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes to Colonel Morden, expressing gratitude for his support and defending her refusal to marry Lovelace on moral grounds.
- Colonel Morden
Addressee of the letter; Clarissa congratulates him on his return and thanks him for believing in her innocence.
- Robert Lovelace
Clarissa acknowledges his sincerity in offering marriage but refuses him because accepting would sanction his wickedness.
Key passages
“I have not the least reason to doubt Mr. Lovelace’s sincerity in his offers of marriage; nor that all his relations are heartily desirous of ranking me among them.”
Clarissa believes Lovelace is genuine in his marriage proposals and that his family sincerely wants her to join them.
Clarissa acknowledges the sincerity of Lovelace's offers but still refuses on principle.
“Can I be above the man, Sir, to whom I shall give my hand and my vows, and with them a sanction to the most premeditated baseness?”
How can I consider myself superior to a man I would marry, when doing so would approve his deliberate wickedness?
Clarissa argues that marrying Lovelace would morally compromise her.
“I beg that the author of my calamities may not be vindictively sought after.”
I ask that no revenge be pursued against the one who caused my misfortunes.
Clarissa pleads for forgiveness and against vengeance, fearing harm to her family.