# Letter 503: Colonel Morden explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Colonel Morden describes the arrival of Mrs. Norton and the profound grief of the Harlowe family as they attempt to view Clarissa's corpse but are overcome with remorse. The parents recriminate themselves for their harshness, and the family's former pride is replaced by deep sorrow. Morden reflects on the universal lesson of their suffering.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

The family's intense grief and self-recrimination point toward potential redemption through sorrow.

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

The parents' remorse highlights the destructive consequences of familial duty and rebellion.

## Character check-ins

### Colonel Morden

Narrates the letter, observing the family's grief and reflecting on their punishment.

### Mrs. Norton

Arrives with amended spirits, comforts the mourning mother, and shares Clarissa's posthumous letter.

### Mrs. Harlowe

Overwhelmed with grief, she blames herself for acquiescing to the family's harshness.

### Mr. John Harlowe

The father is unable to bear seeing Clarissa's coffin and laments his hard-heartedness.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Deceased; her posthumous letter brings both consolation and sharper grief to the family.

## Key lines

> Time only, Mr. Belford, can combat with advantage such a heavy deprivation as this. Advice will not do, while the loss is recent.

Only time can heal such a profound loss; advice is useless when grief is fresh.

_Morden reflects on the natural process of mourning._

> Proud and haughty every countenance then, unyielding to entreaty; now, how greatly are they humbled!

Their once proud and stubborn faces are now humbled by sorrow.

_Morden observes the transformation of the Harlowe family._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-503-colonel-morden
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters