# Letter 494: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Belford writes to Lovelace describing the aftermath of Clarissa's death. He recounts how the posthumous letters were delivered to the Harlowe family, Miss Howe, and Mrs. Norton, causing profound grief and chaos. The letter includes James Harlowe's response to Colonel Morden, expressing the family's shock and sorrow, and their request for Clarissa's body to be brought home for burial. Belford also notes the emotional reactions of Mrs. Howe, Mr. Hickman, and the servants, and his own determination to ensure Clarissa's will is executed faithfully.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

Clarissa's death brings profound grief to her family and friends, yet her posthumous letters offer consolation, highlighting her redemptive influence.

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

The Harlowe family's belated remorse and desire to honor Clarissa's burial wishes contrast with their earlier rejection, underscoring the tensions of familial duty.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Anna Howe's intense grief and Mr. Hickman's compassionate support demonstrate the deep bonds of friendship and loyalty to Clarissa.

## Character check-ins

### John Belford

Narrates the delivery of posthumous letters and the reactions of the families, and resolves to enforce Clarissa's will.

### Robert Lovelace

Belford addresses him, noting his raving and unmanageable state after Clarissa's death.

### James Harlowe Jr.

Writes a letter to Colonel Morden expressing the family's grief and confusion, and requesting Clarissa's body be sent home.

### Anna Howe

Receives the news of Clarissa's death; faints from grief, and her mother and Mr. Hickman comfort her.

### Mr. Hickman

Comforts Mrs. Howe and Anna, expresses his own sorrow, and praises Clarissa as an 'Angel of Light'.

### Mrs. Howe

Struck by the news of Clarissa's death, she struggles to break it to her daughter Anna.

## Key lines

> O the sweet creature! said she, and is it come to this?—O my poor Nancy!—How shall I be able to break the matter to my Nancy?

Mrs. Howe exclaims in sorrow upon learning of Clarissa's death, worrying about how to tell her daughter Anna.

_Shows the immediate emotional impact of Clarissa's death on the Howe household._

> We dreaded, said he, (tell your master), to read the letter sent—but we needed not—’tis a blessed letter! written by a blessed hand!—But the consolation she aims to give, will for the present heighten the sense we all shall have of the loss of so excellent a creature!

Mr. Hickman tells Belford that Clarissa's posthumous letter is comforting yet intensifies their grief.

_Highlights the dual effect of Clarissa's final words: solace and deepened sorrow._

## Links

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