Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 502: Colonel Morden explained
Colonel Morden describes the visit of Miss Anna Howe to view Clarissa's corpse.
What happens
Colonel Morden describes the visit of Miss Anna Howe to view Clarissa's corpse. Miss Howe's grief is overwhelming; she laments the loss of her friend, criticizes Clarissa's family for their hard-heartedness, and expresses regret for not visiting sooner. The chapter highlights the deep bond between Clarissa and Anna, and the sorrow of those left behind.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Miss Howe's intense grief and her declaration that she and Clarissa 'had but one heart, one soul' underscore the theme of deep female friendship and loyalty.
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's death is portrayed as a release from suffering, and Miss Howe finds comfort in the belief that Clarissa is now happy.
Class and Social Reputation
Miss Howe criticizes Clarissa's family for prioritizing 'names, without nature' over genuine love, highlighting the tension between social reputation and true kinship.
Characters to notice
- Colonel Morden
Narrates the scene, deeply moved by Miss Howe's grief and the family's sorrow.
- Anna Howe
Visits Clarissa's corpse, expresses profound grief and regret, and laments the loss of her beloved friend.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Deceased; her body is the focus of the mourning scene.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Mentioned as having spoken with Colonel Morden about what passed between them.
- Mrs. Harlowe
Present at the mournful breakfast, says she shall never know rest again.
Key passages
“But why do I thus lament the happy? And that thou art so, is my comfort.”
Why am I mourning for someone who is now happy? Your happiness is my consolation.
Miss Howe tries to find solace in the belief that Clarissa is at peace.
“We had but one heart, but one soul, between us; and now my better half is torn from me.”
We were completely united in heart and soul, and now my other half has been taken away.
Miss Howe expresses the depth of her bond with Clarissa.
“And must names, without nature, be preferred to such a love as mine?”
Should mere titles and family connections be valued more than my genuine love?
Miss Howe criticizes Clarissa's family for their lack of true affection.