Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 5

Name: Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 5
Author: Samuel Richardson

By Samuel Richardson

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British Literature Novels

About This Book

An epistolary novel that traces the prolonged correspondence and confrontations between a virtuous young woman and a charismatic, manipulative suitor, chronicling family opposition, deceitful schemes, emotional coercion, and escalating power struggles. Through letters and narration, the woman's moral resolve, inner suffering, and attempts to assert autonomy are contrasted with the suitor's persuasive rhetoric, calculated plots, and self-justifying rationalizations. Episodes examine social expectations about honor and marriage, the tensions between pride and conscience, and the effects of education and persuasion, leading to increasingly fraught consequences for both parties.

About the Author

Samuel Richardson

Samuel Richardson was an influential English novelist and a key figure in the development of the novel as a literary form. He is best known for his epistolary novels, which explore themes of virtue, morality, and social class. His most notable works include "Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded," which tells the story of a young maid's struggle to maintain her virtue against the advances of her master, and "Clarissa," a complex narrative that delves into the life and trials of a young woman facing societal pressures. Richardson's writing is characterized by its psychological depth and intricate character development, making significant contributions to the literary heritage of the 18th century.