Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 451: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Belford describes Clarissa's serene and resolute preparation for her own death, including the design of her coffin with symbolic devices and her calm acceptance of mortality, contrasting her heroism with Lovelace's guilt.
What happens
Belford describes Clarissa's serene and resolute preparation for her own death, including the design of her coffin with symbolic devices and her calm acceptance of mortality, contrasting her heroism with Lovelace's guilt.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's peaceful acceptance of death and forgiveness of injuries exemplifies redemptive suffering.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa's outward calm and elaborate coffin design contrast with the inner reality of her suffering and Lovelace's guilt.
Characters to notice
- John Belford
Narrates the letter, deeply affected by Clarissa's death preparations and contrasts her virtue with Lovelace's wickedness.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Shows remarkable composure in ordering her coffin and burial dress, explaining her enjoyment of death's thoughts and forgiveness of injuries.
- Robert Lovelace
Addressee of the letter; Belford execrates him and questions his ability to face death with similar heroism.
- Mrs. Lovick
Accompanies Belford to view the coffin devices and records Clarissa's noble answer about death.
- Mrs. Smith
Provides Belford with details of Clarissa's devices and is present during the events.
Key passages
“To persons in health, said she, this sight may be shocking; and the preparation, and my unconcernedness in it, may appear affected: but to me, who have had so gradual a weaning-time from the world, and so much reason not to love it, I must say, I dwell on, I indulge, (and, strictly speaking, I enjoy), the thoughts of death.”
Clarissa explains that while her calmness might seem affected to healthy people, she has been gradually detaching from the world and now finds comfort and even enjoyment in contemplating death.
Clarissa's serene embrace of mortality as a release from worldly suffering.
“she has no wilful errors to look back upon with self-reproach—and her mind is strengthened by the consolations which flow from that religious rectitude which has been the guide of all her actions; and which has taught her rather to choose to be a sufferer than an aggressor!”
Belford reflects that Clarissa's peace comes from her virtuous life and lack of regret, unlike Lovelace who will face death with guilt.
Belford contrasts Clarissa's moral integrity with Lovelace's wickedness.