Clarissa, Or, The History of a Young Lady

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Clarissa, Or, The History of a Young Lady

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Samuel Richardson's seminal epistolary novel follows Clarissa Harlowe, a virtuous young woman navigating intense family pressure and moral conflict. Through a rich tapestry of letters, the narrative explores themes of love, independence, and societal expectations in 18th-century England, offering a profound study of human resilience and the consequences of unchecked passion.

Summary up to 500 words

Samuel Richardson's *Clarissa, Or, The History of a Young Lady* is a profound exploration of virtue, corruption, and the crushing weight of social convention, told entirely through the intimate correspondence of its protagonist, Clarissa Harlowe, and her devoted confidante, Miss Howe. The narrative begins with Clarissa's desperate struggle to maintain her independence against the domineering wishes of her parents, who seek to marry her off to the wealthy but repulsive Mr. Solmes. Upon her refusal, her family turns to her cousin, the charismatic yet morally bankrupt Mr. Lovelace, hoping he will coerce her compliance. Instead, Lovelace becomes infatuated with Clarissa's spirit, initiating a courtship that rapidly devolves into a campaign of psychological warfare, financial ruin, and physical coercion designed to break her resolve. The novel's structure, comprised of hundreds of letters, allows Richardson to juxtapose Clarissa's unwavering moral integrity with Lovelace's sadistic manipulation. While Clarissa's letters to Miss Howe reveal her internal terror and growing realization of Lovelace's malice, Lovelace's letters to his confidant, John Belford, expose his twisted justification for destroying her virtue. The plot intensifies through a series of dramatic events, including a botched elopement attempt where Clarissa narrowly escapes Lovelace's pursuit, only to be tracked down by his relentless agent, William Summers. The narrative captures the escalating tension as Lovelace employs every means to force her hand, believing he is merely correcting her 'errors' and restoring her to a state of obligation. As the story progresses, the novel serves as a devastating indictment of the social constraints placed on women and the hypocrisy of polite society. Clarissa faces the ultimate threat to her virtue and life, realizing that her family's betrayal is as destructive as Lovelace's. The narrative builds toward a tragic climax that highlights the enduring strength of moral integrity in the face of overwhelming evil. Through this detailed chronicle of a young lady's downfall, Richardson presents a powerful testament to the forces that destroy innocence, leaving the reader with a lasting reflection on the cost of virtue in a corrupt world.

LLM editorial rating

4.5/5

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https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/samuel-richardson_clarissa.epub

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Categories

• Classics
• Fiction