Clarissa · Chapter
The Will explained
Clarissa Harlowe's last will and testament is read, in which she forgives Lovelace, bequeaths her estate to her father, requests that Mrs.
What happens
Clarissa Harlowe's last will and testament is read, in which she forgives Lovelace, bequeaths her estate to her father, requests that Mrs. Norton be allowed to live at the Dairy-house, and disposes of her remaining funds to charitable purposes and legacies to her executor, Dr. H., Mr. Goddard, and others. She also provides instructions for the collection and preservation of her story.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's forgiveness of Lovelace and her hope for eternal glory through Christ exemplify redemption after profound suffering.
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa exercises agency in dictating her will, forgiving her tormentor, and directing her legacy, all while maintaining her virtuous character.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Testator; dictates her will with forgiveness and detailed bequests.
- Robert Lovelace
Forgiven by Clarissa in her will; referenced as the cause of her ruin.
- Mrs. Norton
Requested to reside at the Dairy-house and manage charitable funds.
- John Belford
Appointed executor; bequeathed 100 guineas and tasked with compiling Clarissa's story.
- Anna Howe
Mentioned as a confidante who knows Clarissa's heart; to receive a copy of the story.
Key passages
“Gay, cruel heart! behold here the remains of the once ruined, yet now happy, Clarissa Harlowe!—See what thou thyself must quickly be;—and repent !—”
Clarissa instructs that a note be given to Lovelace when he views her corpse, declaring that though she was ruined, she is now happy, and urging him to repent.
Clarissa's final message to Lovelace combines forgiveness with a call to repentance.
“I do most sincerely forgive Mr. Lovelace the wrongs he has done me.”
Clarissa explicitly states her forgiveness of Lovelace for all his injuries.
This forgiveness is central to the theme of redemption.
“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 real estate to her father.
She prioritizes her father over her brother and sister in the bequest.