Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 505: Mr. Belford, to William Morden, Esq. explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Belford writes to Colonel Morden, describing his imagined participation in Clarissa's funeral procession and burial. He reflects on the solemnity of the event, the crowded vault, and the grief of the mourners. He then sends an account of money and effects to be distributed to the legatees according to Clarissa's will, and asks about funeral expenses and reimbursements, expressing his intent to execute the will without unnecessarily mortifying the Harlowe family.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's death and funeral are portrayed as a solemn end to her suffering, with Belford's reflections emphasizing her virtue and the redemption of her memory.
Class and Social Reputation
Belford's careful handling of the will and his desire to avoid unnecessary mortification to the Harlowe family highlight concerns about social reputation and family honor.
Characters to notice
- John Belford
The writer of the letter, reflecting on Clarissa's funeral and executing her will.
- Colonel Morden
The recipient of the letter, who attended the funeral and is asked to distribute legacies.
- Clarissa Harlowe
The deceased, whose funeral and will are the central subjects of the letter.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Mentioned as someone Belford intends to convince of his resolve to execute the will fully.
Key passages
“I once had thoughts to go down privately, in order, disguised, to see the last solemnity performed.”
I considered traveling in disguise to witness the funeral in person.
Belford expresses his initial desire to attend the funeral incognito.
“There, with a soul filled with musing, do I number the surrounding monuments of mortality, and contemplate the present stillness of so many once busy vanities, crowded all into one poor vaulted nook, as if the living grudged room for the corpse of those for which, when animated, the earth, the air, and the waters, could hardly find room.”
In the vault, I reflect on the many dead around me, once full of life and ambition, now confined to a small space, as if the living begrudge them room.
Belford meditates on mortality and the vanity of worldly pursuits.
“These expeditious proceedings, says he, will convince Mr. James Harlowe that I am resolved to see the will completely executed; and yet, by my manner of doing it, that I desire not to give unnecessary mortification to the family, since everything that relates to them shall pass through your hands.”
My quick actions will show James Harlowe that I intend to fully carry out the will, but I will do so in a way that avoids embarrassing the family, as all matters concerning them will go through you.
Belford explains his strategy for executing the will with both firmness and tact.