Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 504: Colonel Morden explained
Colonel Morden describes the funeral of Clarissa Harlowe, attended by family and many mourners, with a eulogy by Mr.
What happens
Colonel Morden describes the funeral of Clarissa Harlowe, attended by family and many mourners, with a eulogy by Mr. Melvill that highlights her virtues and tragic fate. The ceremony is marked by profound respect and sorrow, and Morden confirms her burial at her grandfather's feet as she wished.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's funeral emphasizes her virtuous life and happy end, transforming her suffering into a redemptive legacy.
Class and Social Reputation
The large attendance and respectful whispers from all conditions highlight the social impact of Clarissa's reputation.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The presence of mourners like Solmes and Hickman incognito contrasts public grief with private guilt.
Characters to notice
- Colonel Morden
Narrates the funeral proceedings and accompanies the corpse to the vault.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Attends the funeral but does not descend into the vault.
- Arabella Harlowe
Extremely affected, wishes to descend with the coffin but is prevented by her brother.
- Mr. Solmes
Reported to be in a remote part of the church, shedding tears.
- Mr. Hickman
Present incognito, shows great emotion during the burial.
- Mrs. Norton
Stays with the inconsolable mother at her request.
Key passages
“The whole solemnity was performed with great decency and order. The distance from Harlowe-place to the church is about half a mile. All the way the corpse was attended by great numbers of people of all conditions.”
The funeral was conducted with proper decorum, and a large crowd of people from all social classes accompanied the body from Harlowe-place to the church.
Describes the public turnout and orderly ceremony.
“The eulogy pronounced by Mr. Melvill was a very pathetic one. He wiped his own eyes often, and made everybody present still oftener wipe theirs.”
Mr. Melvill's eulogy was deeply moving, causing him and the entire congregation to weep repeatedly.
Highlights the emotional impact of the sermon.
“In that little space, said Mr. Mullins, is included all human excellence!”
Mr. Mullins remarked that the coffin contained all of human perfection.
Reflects the high esteem in which Clarissa was held.