# The Will explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/the-will
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters