Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 489: To the Ever-Honoured Mrs. Harlowe explained
In her final letter, Clarissa writes to her mother with deep reverence and gratitude, seeking forgiveness for her past rashness.
What happens
In her final letter, Clarissa writes to her mother with deep reverence and gratitude, seeking forgiveness for her past rashness. She expresses sincere penitence, acknowledges the distress she caused her family, and hopes for a happy reunion in the afterlife, trusting in God's forgiveness as she nears death.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa frames her sufferings as a path to purification and forgiveness, expressing hope for eternal bliss.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa acknowledges her 'rashness' and the distress it caused her family, seeking to restore her dutiful place through penitence.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes a final, penitent letter to her mother, seeking forgiveness and expressing hope for eternal peace.
- Mrs. Harlowe
The recipient of the letter, addressed with reverence and gratitude as Clarissa implores her pardon.
- Mr. John Harlowe
Mentioned as 'my papa' to whom Clarissa has also written seeking pardon.
- Arabella Harlowe
Clarissa hopes her sister's continued duty will make up for her loss.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Mentioned alongside Arabella as one whose future marriage may bring satisfaction to their parents.
Key passages
“The last time I had the boldness to write to you, it was with all the consciousness of a self-convicted criminal, supplicating her offended judge for mercy and pardon.”
Previously, I wrote to you feeling like a guilty criminal begging for mercy from a judge.
Clarissa contrasts her earlier fearful tone with her current assurance.
“God, who has been a witness of my distresses, knows that, great as they have been, the greatest of all was the distress that I knew I must have given to you, Madam, and to my father.”
God knows that my own suffering was less than the pain I caused you and my father.
Clarissa emphasizes her remorse for the grief she brought her parents.
“And, at last, may a happy meeting with your forgiven penitent, in the eternal mansions, augment the bliss of her, who, purified by sufferings already, when this salutes your hands, presumes she shall be The happy and forever happy Clarissa Harlowe.”
May we meet joyfully in heaven, where I, already cleansed by my trials, will be eternally happy.
Clarissa anticipates her death and reunion with her mother in the afterlife.