Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 460: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Belford describes Clarissa's serene state after receiving Communion, her reading of a letter from Mrs.
What happens
Belford describes Clarissa's serene state after receiving Communion, her reading of a letter from Mrs. Norton, and her preparations for death. She gives Belford her will and sealed letters, and discusses a letter from Colonel Morden, who is working toward a family reconciliation. Clarissa declines to hasten Morden's visit, and Belford writes to Morden urging him to come quickly.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's serene preparation for death and her reflection on her 'deep error' highlight her spiritual redemption through suffering.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Colonel Morden's efforts toward reconciliation and Clarissa's reflections on her brother's and sister's unkindness underscore family tensions.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Serene after Communion, reads Mrs. Norton's letter with emotion, prepares her will and sealed letters for Belford, discusses Colonel Morden's letter, and declines to hasten his visit.
- John Belford
Observes Clarissa's composure, receives her will and sealed letters, reads Colonel Morden's letter to her, and writes to Morden urging him to come quickly.
- Mrs. Norton
Her letter to Clarissa is read after Communion, causing Clarissa to weep and sigh.
- Colonel Morden
His letter to Clarissa is read; he is working toward family reconciliation and plans to visit, but Clarissa does not wish to hasten him.
- Mrs. Lovick
Present with Clarissa, reports her gentle exclamations while reading Mrs. Norton's letter.
- Mrs. Smith
Present with Clarissa during the scene, along with Mrs. Lovick.
Key passages
“What a deep error is mine! — What evils have I been the occasion of!”
Clarissa laments her own mistake and the suffering it has caused.
Reflects her remorse and acceptance of responsibility.
“I don't think I am dying yet—not actually dying, Mrs. Lovick—for I have no bodily pain—no numbnesses; no signs of immediate death, I think.”
Clarissa expresses that she does not feel she is immediately dying, as she has no physical pain.
Shows her calm and rational assessment of her condition.
“And so, my friends, said she, have I heard of a patient who actually died, while five or six principal physicians were in a consultation, and not agreed upon what name to give his distemper.”
Clarissa compares her situation to a patient who died while doctors debated his diagnosis.
Highlights her ironic detachment and foreshadows her death.