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Clarissa Harlowe: A Timeless Exploration of Love and Society

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Published in Clarissa Harlowe Or The History Of A Young Lady: Volume 8

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Clarissa Harlowe -or- The History of a Young Lady: Volume 8

by Samuel Richardson

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1601 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	100 pages

By Samuel Richardson

First published in 1748

Clarissa Harlowe is an epistolary novel that follows the tragic story of Clarissa Harlowe, a young woman of extraordinary virtue and beauty. When her family forces her to marry the wealthy and libertine Robert Lovelace, she desperately tries to resist his advances and preserve her honor. However, Lovelace's relentless pursuit and the machinations of other characters lead to a series of events that ultimately result in Clarissa's downfall and death.

Clarissa Harlowe is a complex and nuanced work that explores the themes of love, society, and morality. It is considered one of the greatest works of English literature and has had a profound influence on subsequent generations of writers.

Unforgettable Characters

Clarissa Harlowe
A beautiful and virtuous young woman who becomes the victim of Lovelace's relentless pursuit. She is a complex character who is both strong-willed and vulnerable, and her tragic story has captured the hearts of readers for centuries.
Robert Lovelace
A wealthy and libertine young man who is obsessed with Clarissa. He is a complex character who is both charming and manipulative, and his actions ultimately lead to Clarissa's downfall.
Anna Howe
Clarissa's close friend and confidante. She is a loyal and supportive friend, and she provides Clarissa with much-needed emotional support throughout her ordeal.
John Belford
Lovelace's friend and confidant. He is a complex character who is torn between his loyalty to Lovelace and his growing sympathy for Clarissa.

Enduring Themes

Love
Clarissa Harlowe explores the complex nature of love, both romantic and familial. Clarissa's love for Lovelace is passionate and intense, but it is also ultimately destructive. The novel also explores the familial love between Clarissa and her family, and the ways in which this love can be both a source of strength and a cause of pain.
Society
Clarissa Harlowe is a sharp critique of 18th century society, particularly the way in which it treats women. Clarissa is constantly judged and criticized by those around her, and her choices are often limited by the social expectations placed upon her. The novel explores the ways in which society can both empower and disempower women, and the ways in which women can challenge and resist the limitations placed upon them.
Morality
Clarissa Harlowe is a deeply moral novel that explores the complex questions of right and wrong. Clarissa is faced with a series of difficult choices throughout the novel, and her decisions often have tragic consequences. The novel explores the ways in which our moral choices shape our lives, and the ways in which we can find redemption even in the face of adversity.

A Timeless Legacy

Clarissa Harlowe is a groundbreaking and influential work of literature that has had a profound impact on subsequent generations of writers. It is considered one of the greatest works of English literature, and it has been praised by critics for its complex characters, nuanced themes, and powerful prose.

Clarissa Harlowe has also been adapted into numerous stage plays, operas, and films. It has been translated into over 30 languages, and it continues to be read and studied by people all over the world.

The novel's enduring legacy is a testament to its timeless themes and its ability to capture the human condition. Clarissa Harlowe is a story that is both

Clarissa Harlowe -or- The History of a Young Lady: Volume 8

by Samuel Richardson

4.6 out of 5