Clarissa · Chapter
Postscript Referred to in the Preface explained
The author defends the tragic ending of Clarissa against critics who desired a 'fortunate ending' or marriage between Lovelace and Clarissa.
What happens
The author defends the tragic ending of Clarissa against critics who desired a 'fortunate ending' or marriage between Lovelace and Clarissa. He argues that poetic justice is served through the exemplary punishments of Lovelace, the Harlowe family, Tomlinson, Sinclair, and others, while virtuous characters like Miss Howe, Mr. Hickman, Belford, and Mrs. Norton are rewarded. He also addresses objections to Clarissa's perceived coldness in love, explaining that she was intended to be in 'liking only' and that her restraint is consistent with her character. The author further defends the portrayal of Lovelace as a practical rather than theoretical infidel, and Mr. Hickman's meekness as a sign of modesty rather than weakness.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's triumphant death is presented as enviable, and her piety and resignation are rewarded by Heaven; Lovelace's punishment is brought on through his own corrupted agents.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The author argues that Clarissa's apparent coldness is misunderstood; her difficult situation makes seeming occasions for censure unavoidable.
Class and Social Reputation
The author defends Mr. Hickman's character against charges of tameness, noting that modest and diffident men wear off precisenesses slowly, while the confident get over them quickly.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Defended as not being in love but in 'liking only'; her piety, charity, virtue, humility, forgiving spirit, meekness, and resignation are praised; her death is described as triumphant and enviable.
- Robert Lovelace
Portrayed as a great wilful transgressor who is condignly punished; his villainous views and remorses are highlighted; he is an infidel only in practice, not in belief.
- Anna Howe
Rewarded for her noble friendship to Clarissa; her lively and sometimes ludicrous treatment of Mr. Hickman and her mother is noted.
- John Belford
Described as repentant and not ungenerous; he speaks of Mr. Hickman with honour and respect.
- Mr. Hickman
Defended against objections to his meekness; his unexceptionable morals and integrity are praised; he is made signally happy.
- Mrs. Norton
Described as worthy and made signally happy.
Key passages
“is not Mr. Lovelace, who could persevere in his villainous views, against the strongest and most frequent convictions and remorses that ever were sent to awaken and reclaim a wicked man—is not this great, this wilful transgressor condignly punished”
Lovelace, despite experiencing many powerful moments of remorse, continued his evil plans and was justly punished.
The author defends the poetic justice of Lovelace's fate.
“It was not intended that she should be in love , but in liking only, if that expression may be admitted.”
Clarissa was not meant to be deeply in love with Lovelace, but merely to have a mild preference for him.
The author clarifies Clarissa's emotional state to counter objections about her coldness.
“A verse may find him who a sermon flies, And turn delight into a sacrifice.”
Poetry can reach a person who avoids sermons, transforming entertainment into a spiritual offering.
The author explains his method of using amusement to convey Christian teachings.