Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 490: To James Harlowe, Jun. Esq. explained
In this solemn letter, Clarissa writes to her brother James, begging his forgiveness for the offense her elopement caused the family.
What happens
In this solemn letter, Clarissa writes to her brother James, begging his forgiveness for the offense her elopement caused the family. She urges him to forgo revenge against Lovelace, warning that vengeance belongs to God, and cautions him against his violent temper. She reflects on her own repentance and suffering, expressing hope that her example may warn others.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Clarissa, desp…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa frames her suffering as seasonable punishment and emphasizes her early repentance and reliance on God, leading to a state of happiness.
- Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa seeks forgiveness for the offense her 'unhappy step' caused her family, while also cautioning her brother against his own faults.
- Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa notes that 'virgin purity should not so behave as to be suspected,' highlighting the gap between her true virtue and the family's perception.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes a penitent and cautionary letter to her brother, expressing forgiveness, repentance, and concern for his soul.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Addressee of the letter; Clarissa appeals to him to forgive her, avoid revenge against Lovelace, and control his violent temper.
- Robert Lovelace
Referred to as the man whose 'elaborate baseness' caused Clarissa's ruin; she asks James not to seek active revenge against him.
Key passages
“I never loved the man half so much as I hated his actions, when I saw what he was capable of.”
My love for him was never as strong as my disgust for his deeds once I understood his true nature.
Clarissa clarifies that her feelings for Lovelace were never deep enough to excuse his behavior.
“Vengeance is mine, and I will repay it.”
Revenge belongs to God alone, and He will administer justice.
Clarissa quotes scripture to dissuade James from pursuing personal vengeance against Lovelace.
“His conscience, when it shall please God to touch it, will be sharper than your sword.”
Lovelace's own guilty conscience, once awakened by God, will punish him more severely than any weapon you could wield.
Clarissa argues that divine justice is more effective than human retaliation.
