Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 9

"Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 9" by Samuel Richardson is a novel written during the early 18th century. This volume continues the tragic tale of Clarissa Harlowe, focusing on themes of virtue, morality, and social conflict, particularly against the backdrop of Clarissa's ongoing struggles with her family and her love interest, Lovelace. The narrative presents a poignant exploration of relationships, forgiveness, and the societal expectations placed upon women. The opening of Volume 9 introduces a somber and reflective tone as Clarissa's health deteriorates. Through a series of letters, we observe the emotions of the key characters, including her cousin Belford and Colonel Morden, who witness her final moments. Clarissa expresses profound piety and compassion, urging those around her not to mourn but to find solace in her faith and acceptance of her fate. Her interactions reflect her noble spirit, revealing her concerns for those who have wronged her and her desire for reconciliation among her family. As she prepares for her impending death, Clarissa's thoughts shift towards forgiveness, love, and the hope for an eternal happiness that transcends her earthly trials. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Samuel Richardson was an English writer and printer known for three epistolary novels: Pamela; or, Virtue Rewarded (1740), Clarissa: Or the History of a Young Lady (1748) and The History of Sir Charles Grandison (1753). He printed almost 500 works, including journals and magazines, working periodically with the London bookseller Andrew Millar. Richardson had been apprenticed to a printer, whose daughter he eventually married. He lost her along with their six children, but remarried and had six more children, of whom four daughters reached adulthood, leaving no male heirs to continue the print shop. As it ran down, he wrote his first novel at the age of 51 and joined the admired writers of his day. Leading acquaintances included Samuel Johnson and Sarah Fielding, the physician and Behmenist George Cheyne, and the theologian and writer William Law, whose books he printed. At Law's request, Richardson printed some poems by John Byrom. In literature, he rivalled Henry Fielding; the two responded to each other's literary styles.