Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 450: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Belford recounts his visit to Clarissa, who has received a welcome letter from her cousin Morden.
What happens
Belford recounts his visit to Clarissa, who has received a welcome letter from her cousin Morden. She is in a petulant mood, reflecting on her family's harshness. Unexpectedly, a coffin she ordered is delivered early, shocking Belford and the women present. Clarissa calmly explains her reasoning, seeing no reason to fear the preparation, and even invites the women to view it to familiarize themselves with the object. Belford leaves deeply shaken, though he acknowledges her arguments are reasonable.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's serene preparation for her own death, including the ordering of her coffin, exemplifies her acceptance of suffering and her hope for redemption beyond earthly trials.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The shocking appearance of the coffin contrasts with Clarissa's calm demeanor, challenging the conventional fear of death and revealing her inner strength and philosophical resolve.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Clarissa calmly receives her coffin, explaining her practical and philosophical reasons for ordering it herself, showing her resolve and acceptance of her declining state.
- John Belford
Belford is deeply shocked by the sight of the coffin and struggles to reconcile his emotional reaction with Clarissa's rational arguments.
- Mrs. Smith
Mrs. Smith expresses concern and dismay upon seeing the coffin, but follows Clarissa's lead to view it.
- Mrs. Lovick
Mrs. Lovick is similarly shocked and distressed by the premature arrival of the coffin.
Key passages
“I love to do everything for myself that I can do. I ever did. Every other material point is so far done, and taken care of, that I have had leisure for things of lesser moment.”
Clarissa asserts her independence by managing her own affairs, including her funeral preparations, since she has already settled all important matters.
Clarissa's self-reliance and practical nature are highlighted as she takes control of even the smallest details of her death.
“Why may we not be as reasonably shocked at going to church where are the monuments of our ancestors, with whose dust we even hope our dust shall be one day mingled, as to be moved at such a sight as this?”
Clarissa argues that there is no more reason to be shocked by a coffin than by the tombs in a church, since both remind us of our mortality.
Her philosophical reasoning challenges the emotional reaction of those around her, emphasizing her acceptance of death.