Clarissa · Character

Mrs. Smith

Clarissa's landlady and later devoted friend, one of the few witnesses to her last days who grieves her as a person rather than a scandal.

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Smith, Smith, dame Smith

First appearance: clarissa

As a supporting figure in Clarissa, Mrs. Smith is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Wife of the glove-maker at whose house Clarissa lodges; described as a matron-like, plain-hearted, and prudent woman.

In the storyLetter 320: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss HoweOpen this moment free

See Mrs. Smith in Letter 320: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe Book page

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Mrs. Smith runs the household where Clarissa lodges in her final illness, and she becomes one of the small group of women who attend her deathbed with genuine sorrow. In the scene Belford describes, she kneels at the foot of the bed with clasped fingers and uplifted eyes, tears falling, while Clarissa speaks her last forgivenesses. She is not a figure of plot but of witness: her grief is the reader's grief, and her presence turns Clarissa's death from a cautionary tale into something closer to a sacred scene.

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See Mrs. Smith in clarissa

Character Web

15 connections

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Clarissa, desp…

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In the story

Mrs. Smith appears across 21 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Letter 320: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe
Wife of the glove-maker at whose house Clarissa lodges; described as a matron-like, plain-hearted, and prudent woman.
Letter 336: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Receives Clarissa at her lodgings, assists in retrieving belongings, and gains trust from Belford.
Letter 339: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Present during Belford's visit, along with the nurse, but retires when Belford and Clarissa speak privately.
Letter 340: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Attends Clarissa, helps with the inventory, and is involved in the plan to purchase Clarissa's dress.
Letter 348: Mr. Belford, to Mr. Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Mrs. Smith is also present during the visit, supporting Clarissa.
Letter 349: Mr. Belford
Hosts the gathering on her wedding-day; invites Clarissa and Belford to dine.
Letter 399: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Provides Belford with details of Clarissa's state and the visit of a young clergyman.
Letter 418: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
The shopkeeper at the house; she confirms Clarissa's departure and weeps with Mrs. Lovick over Clarissa's condition.
Letter 426: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Provides Belford with details of Clarissa's condition and reports that strangers have been inquiring after Clarissa.
Letter 444: Mr. Brand, to John Harlowe, Esq.
Clarissa's landlady, described as highly prepossessed in Clarissa's favor; Brand did not rely solely on her information.
Letter 445: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Belford reads Brand's letter to her and Mrs. Lovick; she identifies the milliner's shop where Brand was seen.
Letter 450: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Mrs. Smith expresses concern and dismay upon seeing the coffin, but follows Clarissa's lead to view it.
Letter 451: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Provides Belford with details of Clarissa's devices and is present during the events.
Letter 457: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Provides Belford with hints about Clarissa's preparations for death.
Letter 460: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Present with Clarissa during the scene, along with Mrs. Lovick.
Letter 464: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Present with Belford and Mrs. Lovick during Clarissa's discourse.
Letter 471: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Also observes Clarissa's condition and the fainting fit.
Letter 474: Mr. Belford
Weeps over Clarissa's condition; assists in the household and conveys messages between Belford and Morden.
Letter 481: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Kneels at the bed's foot, weeping and praying during Clarissa's final moments.
Letter 486: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Present at the viewing and will reading; moved by the provisions for her.
Letter 487: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Present with Mrs. Lovick, in tears, and informs Mrs. Norton of Clarissa's death.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mrs. Smith in clarissa

See Mrs. Smith in Letter 320: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe