Character Analysis of Clarissa Harlowe
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Questions and Answers

What characteristic best describes Robert Lovelace's attitude toward Clarissa?

  • He is indifferent to her feelings and aspirations.
  • He admires her virtue as a challenge to conquer. (correct)
  • He views her solely as a source of wealth.
  • He respects her independence and desires.

    • How does Clarissa's relationship with her mother, Mrs. Harlowe, primarily manifest?

  • Mrs. Harlowe openly defies her husband for Clarissa's sake.
  • Mrs. Harlowe is resentful of Clarissa but loves her passively. (correct)
  • Mrs. Harlowe constantly encourages Clarissa to follow her heart.
  • Mrs. Harlowe supports Clarissa against Mr. Harlowe's wishes.

    • Which statement about John Belford is true?

  • He seeks to manipulate Clarissa for personal gain.
  • He corresponds with Lovelace using a secret shorthand. (correct)
  • He entirely rejects his libertine lifestyle after meeting Clarissa.
  • He harbors no conscience about his actions with women.

    • What role does Mrs. Sinclair play in relation to Clarissa?

    <p>She is a repulsive madam who contributes to Clarissa's ruin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Clarissa perceive her sister Arabella?

    <p>As a bitter individual who is critical of her.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best describes Mr. Harlowe's personality?

    <p>He is authoritarian and concerned with family reputation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a main aspect of Anna Howe's character?

    <p>She is vivacious but sometimes cruel towards others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which character serves as a significant foil to Clarissa?

    <p>Anna Howe</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Clarissa feel about the prospect of marrying Roger Solmes?

    <p>She is repulsed by his character and intentions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which character transitions from being Lovelace's friend to siding with Clarissa?

    <p>John Belford</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason Clarissa becomes a victim of her family's actions?

    <p>Her family's desire for social status leads to greed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Lovelace initially come into conflict with Clarissa's family?

    <p>He is attracted to Clarissa instead of Arabella.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Clarissa refuse to do in response to her family's demands?

    <p>Marry Roger Solmes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Lovelace manipulate Clarissa during their time together?

    <p>He uses her fear of forced marriage to control her.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Lovelace's ultimate goal in his relationship with Clarissa?

    <p>To cohabit with her without marriage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Clarissa's reaction to Lovelace's manipulative tactics?

    <p>She blindly trusts him and follows his lead.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to Clarissa's reputation as she becomes involved with Lovelace?

    <p>It deteriorates, leading to her family's disownment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who does Clarissa continue to correspond with while resisting the family’s demands?

    <p>Her best friend, Anna Howe.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant characteristic does Clarissa maintain throughout her struggles?

    <p>Her strict moral beliefs and virtue.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What motivates Lovelace's actions towards Clarissa?

    <p>His infatuation with her and dislike of marriage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What motivates Lovelace's initial intentions toward Clarissa?

    <p>Instigation from other women and his own wicked heart</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Clarissa respond to the trauma of her situation after being raped?

    <p>She stops eating and prepares for death</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Clarissa's view on marriage and her role as a wife?

    <p>Wives should be obedient and prioritize family interests over their own</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key difference between Clarissa and Lovelace's perspectives on marriage?

    <p>Clarissa values moral integrity in marriage, while Lovelace believes it is often a punishment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Clarissa refuse to take legal action against her father regarding her estate?

    <p>She believes it would be a public disgrace to her family</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does Lovelace’s friend Belford play in the story?

    <p>He mediates between Lovelace and Clarissa while protecting her</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What underlying theme does the failure of the legal system represent in the narrative?

    <p>The limitation of law in matters of personal morality and ethics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Clarissa perceive her family's views on duty and obedience?

    <p>She prioritizes family values over her own self-interest</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Lovelace's ultimate ambition regarding Clarissa after the rape incident?

    <p>To continually undermine her virtue and control her</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What narrative significance do legal metaphors hold in the story?

    <p>They serve to highlight Clarissa’s innocence and virtue under societal judgment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What motivates Clarissa to carry on a clandestine correspondence with Lovelace?

    <p>Her rejection of family authority and control.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best characterizes the Harlowe family's attitude towards Clarissa's relationship with Lovelace?

    <p>They disapprove and seek to control her actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of Lovelace's character is highlighted through his actions towards Clarissa?

    <p>His enjoyment in manipulating and testing her virtue.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason Clarissa consistently refuses to marry Roger Solmes?

    <p>She holds strong to her own principles and values.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does family greed play in the story of Clarissa's fate?

    <p>It leads to her isolation and manipulation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Lovelace perceive marriage in contrast to his interactions with Clarissa?

    <p>As a trap he aims to avoid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Clarissa's refusal to compromise her morals ultimately lead to in her relationship with Lovelace?

    <p>Her tragic downfall and loss of reputation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of Clarissa's trust in Lovelace's intentions?

    <p>It places her in a vulnerable situation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant realization does Lovelace test in Clarissa throughout their interactions?

    <p>Her strength in maintaining her virtue.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Lovelace's manipulation of Clarissa reveal about his character?

    <p>He enjoys exerting control over women.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a distinctive trait of Anna Howe's personality compared to Clarissa?

    <p>She displays vivacity and a flippant attitude.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does John Belford's relationship with Lovelace evolve throughout the story?

    <p>He gradually finds himself opposing Lovelace due to Clarissa's influence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What perception does Clarissa have about Mrs. Sinclair?

    <p>She is repelled by Mrs. Sinclair despite her belief in her respectability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What motivates Mr. Harlowe's harsh demeanor towards his children?

    <p>His anxiety about maintaining family reputation and wealth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Arabella Harlowe respond to her relationship with Clarissa?

    <p>She feels resentful and envious of Clarissa's superiority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of Lovelace's character is highlighted by his interaction with Clarissa?

    <p>His manipulative nature and view of Clarissa as a challenge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of Colonel Morden in the narrative?

    <p>To arbitrate the conflict between Clarissa and her family.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Mrs. Howe influence Anna's decisions regarding Clarissa?

    <p>She forbids Anna from helping Clarissa at all times.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic best defines Roger Solmes in relation to Clarissa?

    <p>He prioritizes money over personal relationships.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Captain Tomlinson's role in the story suggest about Lovelace's character?

    <p>Lovelace employs deceitful tactics to achieve his goals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What motivates Clarissa's refusal to litigate against her father regarding her estate?

    <p>Her understanding of family loyalty and obedience</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor contributes to Lovelace's determination to marry Clarissa despite their tumultuous relationship?

    <p>Desire to control her completely</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Lovelace rationalize marriage, contrasting with Clarissa's view?

    <p>Considers it a potential punishment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What emotional state does Clarissa experience after being raped?

    <p>Temporary madness and a lack of concern for worldly matters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ethical dilemma does Clarissa face regarding prosecuting Lovelace?

    <p>Conflict between personal trauma and societal responsibility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What strict principle about marriage does Clarissa hold that affects her decisions?

    <p>Obedience to her husband as paramount to family honor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Anna Howe's marriage differ from that of Clarissa's views on marriage?

    <p>Anna supports her husband through charity work and household management</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are Lovelace's feelings towards marriage compared to his actions in pursuit of Clarissa?

    <p>He considers marriage a punishment yet desires connection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ultimately causes Clarissa to reconsider her relationship with Lovelace?

    <p>Lovelace's manipulative tactics and violent tendencies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact does Lovelace's treatment of Clarissa have on her views of reputation?

    <p>She sees reputation as less important than personal virtue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Clarissa Harlowe

    • Protagonist, beautiful, virtuous, and talented
    • Considered an exemplary woman by everyone
    • Strict ideas of duty and morality
    • Takes care of neighborhood poor
    • Jealousy from siblings after inheritance

    Robert Lovelace

    • Antagonist, handsome, brave, intelligent, and accomplished
    • Skilled writer
    • Loves Clarissa but wants to conquer her virtue
    • Has a history of seducing and ruining women

    Anna Howe

    • Clarissa's best friend, confidante, and sometimes foil
    • Vivacious and flippant, contrasts Clarissa's seriousness
    • Sometimes teases Clarissa but loves and respects her

    John Belford

    • Lovelace's best friend, also a rake
    • Shares a secret shorthand correspondence with Lovelace
    • Has a conscience, eventually sides with Clarissa against Lovelace

    Mrs. Sinclair

    • Madam of a London whorehouse
    • Monstrous, masculine, and wicked
    • An aura of sin surrounds her
    • Instrumental in Clarissa's ruin

    Mr. (James) Harlowe, Sr

    • Clarissa's father, authoritarian and unforgiving
    • Bad temper attributed to gout
    • Anxious about family's wealth, reputation, and social position

    James Harlowe, Jr.

    • Clarissa's older brother, proud, ambitious, and resentful
    • Fiercely proud, violent when threatened

    Mrs. (Charlotte) Harlowe

    • Clarissa's mother, loving but passive
    • Won't defy her husband, even when disagreeing
    • Resents Clarissa for causing trouble

    Arabella Harlowe

    • Clarissa's sister, envious and bad tempered
    • Inferior in beauty and character to Clarissa
    • Overvalues money and reputation, resentful of Clarissa's inheritance

    Mrs. (Judith) Norton

    • Clarissa's nurse, a pious woman
    • Well educated and well-bred
    • Responsible for Clarissa's education and sense of morality

    Colonel Morden

    • Clarissa's cousin and trustee of her estate
    • Brave, skilled, and has a shady past

    Mr. Hickman

    • Anna's suitor, respectable but unexciting
    • Anna mocks him for his manners but he persists
    • Offers help to Clarissa despite risks

    Uncle (John) Harlowe, Antony Harlowe, Aunt (Dorothy) Hervey

    • Clarissa's uncles and aunts
    • Love Clarissa but won't help her against Mr. Harlowe

    Roger Solmes

    • Rich, ugly, and unappealing
    • Inappropriate match for Clarissa
    • Obsessed with money, mistreats servants and family

    Lord M., Lady Betty, Lady Charlotte, and Patty Montague

    • Lovelace's relatives
    • Well-bred, refined, and respected in society
    • Admire Clarissa's virtue

    Captain Tomlinson

    • False name of Patrick McDonald, one of Lovelace's accomplices
    • Expert actor, convinces Clarissa of his sincerity

    Sally Martin, Polly Horton, Dorcas Wykes

    • Whores in Mrs. Sinclair's brothel
    • Ruined by Lovelace, want to see Clarissa suffer
    • Their mockery encourages Lovelace

    Joseph Leman, Betty Barnes, Hannah Burton

    • Servants of the Harlowes
    • Joseph is a spy for Lovelace
    • Betty is Arabella's maid and mistreats Clarissa
    • Hannah is faithful to Clarissa

    Mrs. Moore, Widow Bevis, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Lovik

    • Keepers and guests of houses where Clarissa stays
    • Decent but some are deceived by Lovelace

    Mrs. Howe

    • Anna's mother
    • Struggles for control over Anna
    • Courted by Antony Harlowe
    • Shallow and selfish

    Clarissa Harlowe

    • Clarissa Harlowe is the protagonist of the novel, an 18-year-old woman known for her beauty, virtue, and accomplishments.
    • She is considered an exemplar for her perfect behavior and moral character.
    • She has strict ideals regarding duty and morality, showing a particular love for helping the neighborhood poor.
    • Despite her endearing personality, her brother and sister are envious of her, especially when she inherits an estate from her grandfather.

    Robert Lovelace

    • Robert Lovelace is the dashing antagonist of the novel.
    • He is of good family, handsome, brave, intelligent, and skilled.
    • He is known for his love of writing, which he utilizes skillfully.
    • Lovelace is a notorious seducer, having ruined many women who either died in childbirth or became prostitutes.
    • He is attracted to Clarissa and sees conquering her virtue as both a romantic pursuit and a challenge.

    Anna Howe

    • Anna Howe is Clarissa's best friend and confidante.
    • She is vivacious and flippant, a contrast to Clarissa's seriousness.
    • Anna often mocks her mother and her suitor, Hickman, with a carefree attitude that is sometimes offensive.
    • Despite these traits, she deeply respects and loves Clarissa.

    John Belford

    • John Belford is Lovelace's best friend, also a rake.
    • Belford and Lovelace share a correspondence similar to Clarissa and Anna, but they communicate in a secret shorthand.
    • Despite being a libertine, Belford possesses a conscience.
    • His exposure to Clarissa gradually influences him to side with her against Lovelace, although he remains a friend to him.

    Mrs. Sinclair

    • Mrs. Sinclair is the madam of a London brothel.
    • She is a monstrously large, masculine, and wicked woman with a strong presence of sin around her.
    • Though appearing to be a respectable widow, Clarissa recognizes her wickedness.
    • Mrs. Sinclair plays a significant role in Clarissa's ruin.

    Mr. (James) Harlowe, Sr.

    • Clarissa's father, known for his authoritarian and unforgiving nature.
    • His bad temper is attributed to gout, and he often appears outside the main action of the novel, agitated and angry.
    • He is deeply concerned with his family's newfound wealth, reputation, and social standing, refusing to tolerate any disobedience from his children.

    James Harlowe, Jr.

    • Clarissa's older brother, full of pride, ambition, and resentment.
    • He is not particularly brave or intelligent but fiercely proud.
    • He reacts violently to anything that he perceives as a threat to his reputation or prospects.

    Mrs. (Charlotte) Harlowe

    • Clarissa's mother, loving but passive, unwilling to defy her husband, even when disagreeing with him.
    • She resents Clarissa for causing trouble in the family but also pities her situation.

    Arabella Harlowe

    • Clarissa's sister, envious and bad-tempered.
    • She is inferior to Clarissa in both beauty and character and suffers from the constant shadow of her younger sibling.
    • Like her father and brother, she prioritizes money and reputation, fueling her resentment of Clarissa's inheritance.

    Mrs. (Judith) Norton

    • Clarissa's nurse, a pious woman.
    • She is well-educated and well-bred despite falling on hard times.
    • She was responsible for Clarissa's initial education and instilled in her a strong moral compass that matured into her exemplary virtue.

    Colonel Morden

    • Clarissa's cousin and trustee of her estate.
    • He is absent from the novel for much of the time as the Harlowes await his arrival to arbitrate their conflict.
    • He shares similarities with Lovelace in terms of bravery and skill, and also has a somewhat questionable past.

    Mr. Hickman

    • Anna's suitor, respectable but unexciting.
    • Anna constantly mocks him for his overly formal manners, but he persists patiently in his pursuit.
    • He offers help to Clarissa when she leaves home despite the potential for conflict with Mrs. Howe.

    Uncle (John) Harlowe, Antony Harlowe, Aunt (Dorothy) Hervey

    • Clarissa's uncles and aunts who love her but refuse to help her against the wishes of Mr. Harlowe.

    Roger Solmes

    • A rich, ugly, and unappealing man, considered utterly unsuitable for Clarissa except for the wealth he would bring to the family.
    • He prioritizes money above all else, mistreating his servants and even his family for personal gain.

    Lord M., Lady Betty, Lady Charlotte, and Patty Montague

    • Lovelace's relatives, embodying high social standing and refined manners.
    • They highly regard Clarissa's virtue and wish to include her in their family despite her lower social rank.

    Captain Tomlinson

    • The false identity of Patrick McDonald, one of Lovelace's accomplices in deceit.
    • He is a skilled actor, convincing Clarissa of his sincerity.
    • He expresses reservations about playing his assigned role but delivers a flawless performance nonetheless.

    Sally Martin, Polly Horton, Dorcas Wykes

    • Prostitutes in Mrs. Sinclair's brothel.
    • Both Sally and Polly were ruined by Lovelace and desire to see Clarissa suffer the same fate.
    • Their mockery contributes to Lovelace's continued path of wickedness.

    Joseph Leman, Betty Barnes, Hannah Burton

    • Servants of the Harlowes.
    • Joseph doubles as a spy for Lovelace, while Betty, his girlfriend, is Arabella's maid and treats Clarissa rudely.
    • Hannah, by contrast, remains loyal to Clarissa.

    Mrs. Moore, Widow Bevis, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Lovick

    • Keepers and guests of various houses where Clarissa stays.
    • Despite their general decency, some are deceived by Lovelace and end up working against Clarissa.

    Mrs. Howe

    • Anna's mother, courted by Antony Harlowe.
    • She strives to exert control over her daughter and forbids her from helping Clarissa.
    • While not a bad woman, she is shallow and self-centered.

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    Description

    This quiz delves into the characters of 'Clarissa Harlowe', focusing on the protagonist, Clarissa, and her complex relationships with other key figures such as Robert Lovelace, Anna Howe, and more. Explore their traits, motivations, and the impact they have on the story's moral themes.

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