# Letter 502: Colonel Morden explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-502-colonel-morden
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters