Clarissa Harlowe, Volume 8

"Clarissa Harlowe" by Samuel Richardson is an epic epistolary novel exploring themes of virtue, autonomy, and oppression. The story follows Clarissa, a young woman of immense moral strength, as she resists her family’s attempts to force her into a loveless marriage. Her defiance leads her into the clutches of the manipulative and predatory Lovelace, whose schemes result in her physical and emotional ruin. Through a series of letters, Clarissa’s resilience, dignity, and inner conflict are vividly portrayed, contrasting with the moral corruption surrounding her. Richardson crafts a poignant critique of patriarchal control and societal expectations, while delving into questions of morality, redemption, and justice. A tragic yet timeless tale of integrity and human suffering.