Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 518: To Col. Morden explained
Clarissa's posthumous letter to Colonel Morden, written in her final weakness, thanks him for his kindness and intercession, but earnestly begs him not to seek vengeance on her behalf.
What happens
Clarissa's posthumous letter to Colonel Morden, written in her final weakness, thanks him for his kindness and intercession, but earnestly begs him not to seek vengeance on her behalf. She argues that vengeance belongs to God, condemns dueling as an usurpation of divine prerogative and an insult to magistracy, and urges him instead to be a comforter to her parents and work for reconciliation, leaving the guilty man to his own conscience and the chance of repentance.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa frames her suffering as a means to eternal happiness, urging forgiveness and leaving vengeance to God.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa contrasts the seeming justice of duelling with its true nature as impious usurpation of divine prerogative.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa seeks reconciliation with her parents and siblings, emphasizing peace over familial estrangement.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Author of the posthumous letter; expresses gratitude, forbids vengeance, and hopes for eternal happiness.
- Colonel Morden
Recipient of the letter; Clarissa's cousin, friend, and guardian, whom she begs not to act as avenger.
- Robert Lovelace
The offender Clarissa refers to; she urges leaving him to his conscience and the chance of repentance.
- Mrs. Harlowe
Clarissa's mother, whom she hopes Colonel Morden will comfort and reconcile.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Clarissa's brother, mentioned as one she hopes will be reconciled to her.
- Arabella Harlowe
Clarissa's sister, mentioned as one she hopes will be reconciled to her.
Key passages
“Remember, my dear Cousin, that vengeance is God’s province, and he has undertaken to repay it; nor will you, I hope, invade that province”
Clarissa reminds Colonel Morden that only God has the right to exact vengeance, and she hopes he will not take that role upon himself.
Clarissa's central plea against personal revenge.
“Duelling, Sir, I need not tell you, who have adorned a public character, is not only an usurpation of the Divine prerogative; but it is an insult upon magistracy and good government.”
Clarissa argues that duelling is both a usurpation of God's authority and an affront to civil law and order.
Moral and legal condemnation of duelling.
“Be a comforter, dear Sir, to my honoured parents, as you have been to me; and may we, through the Divine goodness to us both, meet in that blessed eternity”
Clarissa asks Colonel Morden to console her parents and expresses hope that they will all be reunited in heaven.
Clarissa's final wish for peace and reconciliation.