Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 473: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Belford describes Clarissa's final hours, her inability to read Anna Howe's letter, and her dictated farewell reply. He contrasts her peaceful death with the tormented end of Belton, and notes Colonel Morden's arrival.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's peaceful acceptance of death and her hope for eternal bliss contrast with the tormented conscience of Belton, highlighting the redemptive power of virtue.
Friendship and Loyalty
Anna Howe's desperate desire to visit and Clarissa's affectionate farewell underscore the depth and purity of their friendship.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Near death, she dictates a farewell letter to Anna Howe, blesses her visitors, and expresses hope for eternal reunion.
- Anna Howe
Writes a passionate letter urging Clarissa to let her visit, expressing deep grief and love.
- John Belford
Narrates the scene, transcribes Clarissa's dictated letter, and comments on the contrast between her death and Belton's.
- Mrs. Lovick
Reads Anna's letter aloud to Clarissa and writes down Clarissa's dictated reply.
- Colonel Morden
Arrives at five o'clock, as noted at the end of the letter.
Key passages
“She said, she should number the hours with greater pleasure than ever she numbered any in her life on the most joyful occasion.”
Clarissa said she would count the remaining hours with more joy than she had ever felt on the happiest day.
Reflects her serene anticipation of death.
“This is a friend, said the divine lady, (taking the letter in her hand, and kissing it), worth wishing to live for.”
Clarissa called Anna a friend worth living for, kissing the letter as she spoke.
Highlights the value she places on their friendship.
“Know then, that the good doctor, and the pious clergyman, and the worthy apothecary, have just now—with joint benedictions—taken their last leave of me; and the former bids me hope—do, my dearest, let me say hope —hope for my enlargement before tomorrow sunset.”
Clarissa dictates that the doctor, clergyman, and apothecary have blessed her and bid farewell, and the doctor gives her hope of dying before sunset tomorrow.
Shows her acceptance of imminent death.