Quotes from book
Clarissa

Clarissa, or, the History of a Young Lady is an epistolary novel by English writer Samuel Richardson, published in 1748. It tells the tragic story of a young woman, Clarissa Harlowe, whose quest for virtue is continually thwarted by her family. The Harlowes are a recently wealthy family whose preoccupation with increasing their standing in society leads to obsessive control of their daughter, Clarissa, who ultimately dies as a result. It is considered one of the longest novels in the English language . It is generally regarded as Richardson's masterpiece.


Samuel Richardson photo

“The person who will bear much shall have much to bear, all the world through.”

Vol. 1, p. 44; Letter 10.
Clarissa (1747–1748)

Samuel Richardson photo

“Tired of myself longing for what I have not”

Source: Clarissa, or, the History of a Young Lady

Samuel Richardson photo

“I know not my own heart if it be not absolutely free.”

Source: Clarissa, or, the History of a Young Lady

Samuel Richardson photo

“Nothing can be more wounding to a spirit not ungenerous, than a generous forgiveness.”

Vol. 2, p. 478; Letter 135.
Clarissa (1747–1748)

Samuel Richardson photo
Samuel Richardson photo

“Love gratified, is love satisfied — and love satisfied, is indifference begun.”

Vol. 2, p. 452; Letter 126.
Clarissa (1747–1748)

Samuel Richardson photo

“That dangerous but too commonly received notion, that a reformed rake makes the best husband.”

Vol. 1, p. 5; Preface.
Clarissa (1747–1748)

Samuel Richardson photo

“The pleasures of the mighty are obtained by the tears of the poor.”

Vol. 1, p. 286; Letter 43.
Clarissa (1747–1748)

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