Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 7

Name: Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 7
Author: Samuel Richardson

By Samuel Richardson

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British Literature Novels

About This Book

An extended epistolary narrative follows a virtuous young woman caught between familial expectations and the relentless pursuits of a charismatic libertine. Through letters, the novel records seduction and betrayal, the heroine's moral deliberations, attempts at legal and social redress, and the competing interventions of relatives and friends. The correspondence juxtaposes intimate confession with public maneuvering, exposing how reputation, consent, and power shape outcomes; themes of virtue, manipulation, repentance, and the limitations of law and family authority run throughout the work.

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.