Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - Clarissa by Samuel Richardson

"Clarissa" by Samuel Richardson is a literary masterpiece that tells the story of a young woman named Clarissa Harlowe. The novel is written in an epistolary style, which means that it is composed entirely of letters written by the characters themselves. It is a long and complex novel that explores the darkest side of human nature, and its underlying themes of gender, power, and control have made it a must-read for anyone who loves literature.

The novel begins with Clarissa's family trying to force her into a loveless marriage with a man named Roger Solmes. Solmes is a violent and unkind man, and Clarissa is understandably hesitant to marry him. Instead, she is in love with a man named Robert Lovelace, who is charming and dashing but ultimately turns out to be a villain.

Despite her family's wishes, Clarissa refuses to marry Solmes and instead runs away with Lovelace. At first, everything seems to be going well for the couple, but soon Lovelace's true nature is revealed, and he begins to mistreat Clarissa. Lovelace is a complex character, and Richardson does an excellent job of exploring the many facets of his personality.

As the story progresses, Lovelace's behavior becomes increasingly violent and abusive. He ultimately tricks Clarissa into staying with him, and she is imprisoned in a brothel. There, she is subjected to all sorts of abuse and mistreatment. Meanwhile, her family is trying to force her to marry Solmes once again, and Clarissa is caught between a rock and a hard place.

The novel is a tragic tale of love and loss, and it explores the ways in which gender and power can be used to control and manipulate others. Richardson uses the characters' letters to delve deep into their thoughts and feelings, and the result is a rich and complex story that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Throughout the novel, there are many key moments that are pivotal to the plot. For example, when Clarissa refuses to marry Solmes, it sets off a chain of events that ultimately leads to her downfall. Similarly, when Lovelace tricks Clarissa into staying with him, it marks a turning point in the story, as Clarissa's fate is sealed.

In conclusion, "Clarissa" is a powerful novel that explores the dark side of human nature. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it, and its themes and characters are still relevant today. Reading "Clarissa" is a challenging but rewarding experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.