Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 501: Colonel Morden explained
Colonel Morden reports on the Harlowe family's grief and preparations for Clarissa's funeral.
What happens
Colonel Morden reports on the Harlowe family's grief and preparations for Clarissa's funeral. He describes their conflicted feelings about John Belford being named executor of her will, their final viewing of her body, and the arrangements for a funeral sermon. The family expresses regret and bitterness, particularly toward Lovelace, while Miss Howe is expected to pay a last visit.
Themes in this chapter
Family Obligation and Rebellion
The Harlowe family's grief is mixed with regret and blame, reflecting their conflicted obligations to Clarissa and their role in her downfall.
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's peaceful corpse suggests redemption after her suffering; the family's mourning hints at their own need for redemption.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The family's public grief contrasts with their past harsh treatment of Clarissa; their words of love now seem hollow.
Characters to notice
- Colonel Morden
Reports on the Harlowe family's reactions and funeral preparations; mediates between the family and Belford.
- John Belford
Named as Clarissa's executor; the Harlowe family objects due to his friendship with Lovelace.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Expresses bitterness and vows revenge on Lovelace; opposes Belford as executor.
- Arabella Harlowe
Grieves over Clarissa's body; her servant had been set over Clarissa during her confinement.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Deceased; her body is viewed by the family, who remark on her peaceful expression.
- Anna Howe
Expected to visit Clarissa's body for a final farewell; requests not to be noticed.
Key passages
“The sweet smile remained. The maids who brought the flowers were ambitious of strewing them about it: they poured forth fresh lamentations over her; each wishing she had been so happy as to have been allowed to attend her in London.”
Clarissa's corpse still bore a gentle smile, and the maids eagerly scattered flowers around it, weeping and wishing they could have cared for her in London.
Highlights the contrast between the family's past severity and the servants' genuine affection.
“He lamented the death of the reverend Dr. Lewen, who, as he said, was a great admirer of his sister, as she was of him, and would have been the fittest of all men for that office.”
James Harlowe regretted that Dr. Lewen had died, as he admired Clarissa and would have been the ideal minister for her funeral sermon.
Shows the family's belated respect for Clarissa's relationships.