Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 486: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained
Belford describes the aftermath of Clarissa's death, including the viewing of her corpse, the opening of her sealed papers containing eleven letters, and the reading of her will.
What happens
Belford describes the aftermath of Clarissa's death, including the viewing of her corpse, the opening of her sealed papers containing eleven letters, and the reading of her will. He and Colonel Morden arrange for the delivery of her posthumous letters to her family and friends, and Belford reflects on Clarissa's final exhortations to him to reform his life and to prevent further violence.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's death is portrayed as a blessed release and a triumph of a pacified conscience, urging Belford to reform his life.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The serene appearance of Clarissa's corpse contrasts with the violence and deceit she endured, and her posthumous letters reveal the true nature of her suffering.
Friendship and Loyalty
Belford's loyalty to Clarissa is evident in his execution of her will and his promise to prevent further mischief, while Clarissa's letters express gratitude and friendship.
Characters to notice
- John Belford
Narrates the chapter; breaks open Clarissa's sealed packet, reads her letters, and begins executing her will.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Deceased; her corpse is described as serene and lovely; her posthumous letters and will are the focus of the chapter.
- Colonel Morden
Accompanies Belford to view the body and read the will; writes a letter to James Harlowe Jr. regarding Clarissa's burial wishes.
- Robert Lovelace
Addressee of Belford's letter; Clarissa's posthumous letter to him is withheld until he is fit to receive it.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Recipient of Colonel Morden's letter about Clarissa's death and burial request.
- Mrs. Lovick
Present at the viewing of the corpse and the reading of the will; deeply affected by the bequests.
- Mrs. Smith
Present at the viewing and will reading; moved by the provisions for her.
- Anna Howe
One of the recipients of Clarissa's posthumous letters.
Key passages
“We could not help taking a view of the lovely corpse, and admiring the charming serenity of her noble aspect. The women declared they never saw death so lovely before; and that she looked as if in an easy slumber, the colour having not quite left her cheeks and lips.”
They gazed at Clarissa's beautiful body, struck by her peaceful expression; the women said they had never seen such a lovely corpse, and she appeared to be sleeping, with color still in her cheeks and lips.
Belford describes the appearance of Clarissa's body after death.
“The great Duke of Luxembourg, as I have heard, on his deathbed, declared, that he would then much rather have had it to reflect upon, that he had administered a cup of cold water to a worthy poor creature in distress, than that he had won so many battles as he had triumphed for.”
Clarissa recalls that the Duke of Luxembourg said on his deathbed he would rather have given a cup of water to a poor person than have won all his battles.
Clarissa uses this anecdote in her letter to Belford to urge him to value kindness over worldly glory.
“Her request to be buried with her ancestors, made a letter of the following import necessary, which I prevailed upon the Colonel to write; being unwilling myself (so early at least), to appear officious in the eye of a family which probably wishes not any communication with me.”
Because Clarissa wanted to be buried in the family vault, Belford asked Colonel Morden to write to the Harlowes, as Belford did not want to seem intrusive to a family that likely wanted no contact with him.
Belford explains why Colonel Morden, not he, writes to James Harlowe Jr. about the burial.
