Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 8

Name: Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 8
Author: Samuel Richardson

By Samuel Richardson

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British Literature Novels

About This Book

An extended sequence of letters records a young woman's suffering under familial pressure and a predatory suitor, as friends and relatives exchange accusations, consolations, and tactical counsel; she sends packets of correspondence to protect her honor while confidantes debate exile to the plantations, clerical and domestic advisers urge prudence and piety, and the suitor alternates taunting, illness, and manipulation. The epistolary structure gradually unveils competing narratives, tests of virtue and reputation, and the emotional strain of constrained agency, ending in mounting tensions as new relatives arrive and decisions about guardianship and disclosure are forced.

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.