# Letter 507: Mr. Belford, to Mr. James Harlowe, Jun. Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

This chapter contains the reading of Clarissa Harlowe's last will and testament, in which she forgives Lovelace, bequeaths her real estate to her father, provides for Mrs. Norton, and establishes a charitable fund for the poor, while entrusting the management of her story and legacy to Mr. Belford and Miss Howe.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

Clarissa's will reflects her spiritual redemption and forgiveness of Lovelace, framing her suffering as a path to eternal glory.

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa's bequests to her father and family show a complex mix of duty and defiance, as she asserts her own moral authority.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Testator; her will is read, expressing forgiveness and detailed bequests.

### John Belford

Executor of the will; tasked with copying and managing Clarissa's story.

### James Harlowe Jr.

Recipient of the letter; brother of Clarissa.

### Anna Howe

Mentioned as a confidante who knows Clarissa's heart; to receive a copy of the story.

### Mrs. Norton

Beneficiary of the Dairy-house apartments and manager of the charitable fund.

## Key lines

> I do most sincerely forgive Mr. Lovelace the wrongs he has done me.

Clarissa declares that she forgives Lovelace for all the harm he caused her.

_Demonstrates Clarissa's Christian forgiveness and moral triumph._

> I give and bequeath all the real estates in or to which I have any claim or title by the said will, to my ever-honoured father, James Harlowe, Esq.

Clarissa leaves all her inherited property to her father.

_Shows her continued respect for her father despite family conflict._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-507-mr-belford-to-mr-james-harlowe-jun-esq
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters