# Letter 519: Colonel Morden, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Colonel Morden responds to Belford's letters, expressing his grief and anger over Lovelace's treatment of Clarissa. He struggles with his desire for vengeance against Clarissa's dying wishes for forgiveness, describing the profound mourning of the Harlowe family. He assures Belford he has made no binding resolutions and values his counsel.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

Morden grapples with Clarissa's redemptive forgiveness versus the family's ongoing suffering and his own desire for retribution.

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

The Harlowe family's collective grief and self-recrimination highlight their failed obligations to Clarissa.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Morden reflects on how Lovelace's charming exterior concealed his villainous intentions and the brothel's deceptive nature.

## Character check-ins

### Colonel Morden

Writes to Belford, torn between vengeance and respect for Clarissa's dying wishes, deeply affected by the family's grief.

### John Belford

Recipient of the letter; Morden thanks him for the letters and promises, and values his humane counsel.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Her memory is eulogized at length; her virtues, talents, and suffering are central to Morden's reflections.

### Robert Lovelace

Condemned as a 'monster' and 'barbarian' for his premeditated villainy; Morden considers future action against him.

### Anna Howe

Morden admires her spirit and plans to deliver Clarissa's bequests to her in person.

### James Harlowe Jr.

Mentioned as the son whose fierce temper makes him unfit to confront Lovelace, though he resolves to do so if Morden does not.

## Key lines

> I am not exempt from violent passions, Sir, any more than your friend; but then I hope they are only capable of being raised by other people’s insolence, and not by my own arrogance.

Morden admits he has strong passions like Lovelace, but claims they are only provoked by others' insolence, not his own pride.

_Morden distinguishes his righteous anger from Lovelace's arrogance._

> That the dear creature could only forgive for herself. She, no doubt, is happy: but who shall forgive for a whole family, in all its branches made miserable for their lives?

Clarissa's forgiveness applies only to herself; the family's ongoing misery demands more than her pardon can provide.

_Morden questions whether Clarissa's forgiveness absolves Lovelace of the broader harm to her family._

> What an example she set! How she indited! How she drew! How she wrought! How she talked! How she sung! How she played! Her voice music! Her accent harmony!

Morden eulogizes Clarissa's many talents and virtues, describing her as a paragon of grace and accomplishment.

_This passage illustrates the idealized memory of Clarissa within her family._

## Links

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